Pilates is wonderful for everybody of every age and the elderly can really benefit from attending Pilates sessions. Pilates helps improve balance, strength, flexibility, focus and even your breathing. It is gentle enough to be right for you at any age and every exercise can be modified for you.
For the older population keeping fit is essential. But so many forms of exercise can be hard on the bodies of older adults. Many have turned to Pilates sessions at their local clubs as a way of exercising with low impact thereby reducing the risk of injury that many other weight-bearing exercises may cause. With its focus on controlled breathing and quality of movement-not quantity of repetitions-many experts agree that Pilates is one of the best ways for older adults to stay healthy.
Pilates focuses on building a strong “core”–the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight-bearing. It also can positively affect postural positions.
Increased Stability and Balance
Pilates centres on movements at the mid-range of the body instead of the extremities. Pilates teaches control and stability in a small range of motion, graduating to a larger range of motion as they gain control and confidence which benefits older people.
Increased control and stability is crucial for older adults as it can help them improve much of their functional movement, including balance and posture. Pilates increases strength and flexibility in both the core and the legs, which positively affects balance. This, along with basic fitness benefits, can help them reduce the risk of falls. Pilates is also a good way for older adults to rehabilitate from surgical procedures like a hip replacement or knee surgery and those trying to build up core strength for controlling back pain.
Check for classes in your local area and try and choose one that either has a physiotherapist taking it or someone very experienced.
Always tell the instructor if you have any particular problems like back pain.