As one ages, the need to keep fit and stay active is even more important than ever, Having a strong core will prevent mishaps such as falls from occurring easily. Your muscles atrophy with age and the only way to prevent this will be to work them out.
However, as one ages, using heavy weights and doing deadlifts and barbell curls can be difficult if you’re not used to them.
That’s why Pilates is a fantastic exercise that seniors can use to stay toned, fit and healthy.
It’s not hard on the body and there is little risk of injury. Working out with weights can cause strains, sprains or other injuries that are commonly associated with weight-bearing exercises.
Pilates uses isometric tension and controlled breathing to work your muscles and challenge you. The goal here is quality of movement and not mindless repetitions. By focusing your mind on the move, you’ll make a mind-muscle connection and get the best out of the exercise.
Pilates is a very low impact activity. Unlike CrossFit or Sprinting or even many martial arts, there are very no explosive movements in Pilates. Everything is smooth, controlled and relaxed. Despite this, the poses and exercises can be extremely challenging.
Many bodybuilders who are new to Pilates often struggle with it because it seems deceptively simple. Yet when you do it, your body starts to tremble and shake because of the imbalances within the body. It’s just not strong enough to execute the moves.
Pilates will not only improve you balance and make you more stable, but it’ll also strengthen your core muscles which are often neglected. Pilates moves are low impact and you’ll find yourself often sitting or reclining to do the moves. That makes it especially suitable to an older person.
If you can get a Reformer machine, you can take your Pilates workouts to the next level since you can now add more resistance to the workout. Pilates will strengthen your back muscles, arms, legs and core.
This will result in better posture and muscle tone. Seniors will feel more energetic and may even notice their posture improve. Tasks that seemed difficult before will start becoming easier. Getting up from the bed, going down stairs, etc. will be less difficult.
Because most of the focus is on the core section, there is very little chance of injuries that are common to most adults occurring. Runners often have knee or ankle issues. Weight lifters have rotator cuff problems. Even those who play games such as tennis may suffer from tennis elbow or tunnel carpal syndrome.
But with Pilates, there is very little chance of such injuries. It will strengthen your body from the center and this strength will radiate out to your extremities. You will develop control and grace of movement. These are not brutish moves like jerks and thrusts.
With control comes strength and confidence.
If you’re suffering from osteoporosis, Pilates can help you. If arthritis bothers you, the movements in the Pilates workouts will free up your compressed joints and relieve the pain. For back pain, the Pilates exercises will strengthen the back muscles so that your extensor muscles in your back will be strong enough to hold your posture upright without feeling tense.
Get in a Pilates program early or start doing it at home gradually and you’ll feel the difference in a couple of sessions. You have everything to gain from making Pilates a part of your life.
