Graceful Aging with Pilates
There are many factors that contribute to how well we age; genetics is only a small portion. Our level of happiness, our willingness to try something new, our social connections and our health and fitness also impact how well we age – all are elements within our control. Numerous research studies show that activity levels are directly related to our health. I know that movement keeps me healthy and happy!
I have found Pilates to be highly effective for whole-body toning and flexibility. It is a method of exercise that requires focus and awareness of how we move our bodies. When you perform any Pilates movement, whether on the mat or using equipment, emphasis is placed on best posture and alignment, attention to breathing and precision and control of the entire body. Even if you have never been athletic or inclined to exercise, Pilates is a safe and gentle form of activity that most people can begin doing at any age (of course, you should always consult with your physician before starting a new fitness endeavor).
Pilates is also a low-impact form of exercise, which is appropriate for women and men of all ages. Low-impact exercises place minimal stress on your joints, knees, hips and ankles and are great for those who suffer from pain in these areas. Pilates methods also offer extensive possible variations on the exercises that make them accessible to differing fitness and ability levels.
Here are some of the benefits of Pilates to assist in aging gracefully, no matter what stage of life:
Maintain a flexible and strong body- Pilates was created with both strength and flexibility in mind. More conventional or traditional workouts are weight bearing and tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.
Move with ease and efficiency - Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.
Have well-aligned posture and steady balance -By building the core and focusing on mindfulness, those who frequent the Pilates studio unfailingly experience an improvement in their balance. Good balance means fewer falls and more overall control of the body, a major plus for the aging population.
Manage stress with mindful movement and breath -In Pilates the quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Also, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.
Improved vitality and health - Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease, better performance and less chance of injury. That’s why so many professional sports teams and elite athletes now use Pilates as a critical part of their training regimen.
A Pilates movement practice keeps your body more durable and resilient for life.And if you haven’t been active, Pilates is the perfect method to start with; improve body awareness and strength in a safe, progressive manner. With Pilates, you build strength from the inside out and enhance function with other activities because of how it teaches body awareness and control.
Committing to regular practice will guarantee results, regardless of age or level of fitness.
Pilates truly is for everyone! If you are new to the practice, we recommend beginning with private sessions from a qualified instructor so that you learn the basic foundations and how to move your body in the best way possible.
Having a body that moves with ease, has the strength and endurance for all your daily activities and is healthy and pain free is essential for aging gracefully. Movement = Health!
