The benefits of pilates for seniors
By Jess Robinson, Nutrition Consultant
Are you looking for a gentle but effective way to build your core strength and improve posture while gaining flexibility at the same time? Then, Pilates may be just the thing you need. So, what exactly is Pilates? Pilates involves a series of exercises that focus on principles such as precision and control, as well as improving the body’s core strength, flexibility, balance and posture. Not to mention, Pilates is suitable for all levels and ages, and can be adjusted to accommodate a number of conditions.
Here are some of the benefits of Pilates for women over 60:
1. It gently gets you in shape
In general, we have become a nation that spends a lot of time sitting, whether it’s at work, while watching TV, eating or using our laptop. Being sedentary is one of the worst things we can do for our health, and Pilates offers a great way for older women to start exercising as it’s safe and low impact. Pilates can be done at almost any level of fitness and cardiovascular strength. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new weight loss or fitness plan, particularly if you have any known health issues or haven’t exercised in a while.
2. Improves posture and provides a confidence boost
Pilates helps to strengthen and tone the muscles, starting from the body’s core, this encompasses the abdominal muscles which is a problematic area for many women. Several women over 60 have reported looking and feeling more confident due to doing Pilates. This makes sense as Pilates strengthens your back, making you stand up straighter and ultimately improves many aspects of how you carry yourself throughout the day. Thus, making you look and feel good.
3. Promotes strong bones
Older women are often at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, and as Pilates is a weight bearing exercise it is excellent for strengthening bones as well as muscles. Women may benefit from taking Calcium Complete, a supplement with supportive vitamins and minerals to help maintain healthy, strong bones and teeth.
4. Is super convenient
As Pilates does not require any special equipment, it can be done almost anywhere such as at home by yourself, with a personal trainer or coach, in a Pilates class or even when travelling. The only thing you may require is a yoga mat. Plenty of places offer Pilates classes and at a number of different times for optimal convenience.
5. Effective for pain management
A systematic review that was published in PLOS one concluded that ‘Pilates exercise offers greater improvements in pain and functional ability compared to usual care and physical activity in the short term. Pilates exercise offers equivalent improvements to massage therapy and other forms of exercise’. To further aid pain management, you may benefit from taking Natural Pain Manager which contains Green lipped mussel that may help to maintain joint mobility and relieve stiff or swollen joints.
You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Try Pilates today, either join up to a class with a friend or get Googling to find some easy Pilates moves you can try from the comfort of your own home.
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