Power of Pilates for older body
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a very popular form of exercise for all ages, not just in the UK, but all around the world
It is a complete exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates over the course of a lifetime
It is dedicated to improving physical and mental health, building strength from the inside and out and rebalancing the body by bringing it into correct alignment
It teaches people to understand their bodies and how it moves and then how to apply this in everyday life
Pilates is a series of controlled exercises, which condition the body and engage the mind
It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training, which improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles, without creating bulk
Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular emphasis on strengthening and stabilizing the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region (also known as the core)
How can your older parent benefit from Pilates?
80 per cent of the adult ageing population will suffer, or already suffer, with lower back pain at some time and this shows no sign of slowing
Pilates can greatly help to relieve back pain
Others find it is great for strength and tone and believe it to be a great stress reliever
Pilates benefits our ageing population by providing regular weight-bearing activity.
Pilates can be beneficial for virtually all ages, fitness levels and body conditions
Pilates acts as a bridge between physical fitness and physical therapy and can be adapted, modified and customized to meet individual needs. It is much more about physical condition than age
Before pursuing any exercise programme, it is important to check with your doctor. Subject to medical approval, Pilates is ideal for people recovering from injury, illness, back problems, or suffering from any activity that involves repetitive movements
Pilates can assist in injury prevention and provide relief from stress
How can your parent go about finding a Pilates class?
Pilates studios are now set up all over the country and classes are also available in many popular gyms
Classes are available at beginner, intermediate and advanced level, so there is a class for everyone
Check that class numbers are small. It is best for there to be under 15 people, so that you get the benefit of the instructor’s attention and can benefit from their advice personally
Classes can also be very social and are a great way to meet like-minded people
You can also do one-to-one, or one-to-two lessons to get personal attention from the Pilates instructor, which is very beneficial to those with specific problems
Comfortable clothes should be worn to aid easy movement
Equipment for Pilates
There is a wide range of equipment available for Pilates . The most common are Pilates mats, stretching bands, bolsters, blocks and exercise balls. There are also purpose-built Pilates studios with a much wider range of specialised equipment
