Strength training is a good idea when we are young and it’s a better idea as we age. Pilates exercises improves balance and flexibility and as we age this certainly benefits seniors. We lose 3-5% of our lean muscle mass for every decade after the age of 25. So the sooner you start strength training the better. Don’t believe you can’t gain strength as you age. You just need to work at keeping your muscle mass.
Muscle fiber if you look at it under a microscope for those who are over sixty looks similar to those in their twenties. So starting a strength training exercise routine can begin later in life. Increasing muscle now will help prevent frailty later in life. But aging has other problems that can be addressed with strength training. Aging brings on the loss of balance and flexibility. One’s stamina diminishes as well. Yet Pilates is an exercise that is appropriate for any age and for any fitness level. Pilates gentle exercises are also easy on the joints.
Pilates rehab often associated with physical therapists because it is helps strengthen the body’s posture, flexibility and balance. In fact Pilates was first used as rehab therapy. Joseph Pilates, the creator of this exercise, was a nurse in the German army during World War One. It was there that he developed a method of strengthening the muscles of soldiers wounded in the war.
It all started will Joe Pilates attaching metal springs to hospital beds. Thus the Pilates exercise equipment know today as a Reformer. If wounded soldiers could help quicker with his exercises than those who are out of shape would benefit just as much. Joe knew that his exercises helped develop flexibility in joints and surrounding tissues. Today certified Pilates instructors are helping their clients that are de-conditioned too. Even arthritis sufferers are seeing the advantages of Pilates exercises. They find that they develop a fuller range of motion in their joints which helps them improve their social life, their state of mind and their overall health.
Pilates equipment has evolved since Joe first attached springs to hospital beds. Equipment such as the Cadillac, Chair and Reformer are mainstays in Pilates studios. Now you can buy in online fitness stores smaller related equipment like the Pilates ring, mats and instruction DVDs. Pilates makes a great addition to any fitness program. It may be the best core conditioning exercise anyone can do. Resistance bands are another type of fitness equipment that is used in Pilates studios. These inexpensive and versatile tools come in various resistance and are a great alternative to heavy weights.
Pilates rehabilitation practice by physical therapists see the exercises help their patients improve their muscle and joint strength after suffering an injury. Since Pilates exercises are gentle on joints it won’t over-stress the body any more. Seniors are especially vulnerable to injuries due to falls. Pilates is preventive medicine. Keeping the body strong today will help the body stay injury free tomorrow. And staying free from injuries allows a senior to become more active in sports related activities such as golf and tennis. What senior doesn’t want a more fulfilling lifestyle?
Most instructors are not trained nor qualified to make a diagnosis for injured clients. Their job is to work in conjunction with physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, or anyone in the medical profession. Certified Pilates instructors are there to simply teach. The method in itself is rehabilitative and therapeutic. Most people, no matter their age or level of fitness, can benefit from Pilates workouts. We all have weak links in our muscular skeletal makeup. A Pilates exercise routine is an option to balance out our weaknesses and get us, and keep us, on our feet.
A simple fitness ball or a super band resistive tool are two great ways to keep muscles strong and flexible.
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