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Pilates for an Aging Population
At one time, Pilates was a specialized form of
exercise limited to a handful of
professional practitioners.
In recent times, Pilates has become one
of the biggest exercise fads in America. Almost every town and city
across this great country has a professional Pilates studio,
staffed by certified instructors. Pilates, however, is not just
another passing fad. Pilates is here to stay.
Practitioners of Pilates can experience countless benefits
including improved posture, flexibility, and balance. This
presents a remarkable opportunity
for an aging population to perform a series of exercises that are
both safe and effective. According to the American Association of
Retired Persons (AARP), the stretching and strengthening of core
muscles through the practice of Pilates is an effective strategy
for combating the effects of aging.
Aside from the benefits noted above, Pilates can also help with
relief from stress and mental tension.
It can also have a direct
impact on maintaining strength and range of motion, both of which
are especially important for our aging populace. Studies have shown
that Pilates can also provide relief from
back pain and other physical
injuries, which are often a primary cause of pain and
discomfort.
The wonderful thing about Pilates, and the reason it is so
effective for people getting on in age, is that it is a highly
effective form of soft exercise. Pilates can be performed at a pace
dictated by the strength and stamina of the individual.
It is not
goal driven, in the way that traditional weight training or body
building is. With Pilates, the effectiveness of the exercise is
determined by the overall impact on the health of the practitioner.
Pilates is all about achieving long term, tangible results.
The key to the effective practice of Pilates is to make the
connection between mind and body.
Concentration plays a significant
role in Pilates. One of the core principles of Pilates is to
establish control of the body through discipline and focused
thought. Much like Yoga, controlled breathing plays a pivotal role
in achieving results in Pilates. Pilates teaches a form of
breathing called Lateral Breathing.
This is performed by inhaling
deeply through one's nose, and allowing the inhaled air to expand
one's ribcage. This form of breathing is also called Thoracic
Breathing.
Pilates is a highly effective approach to maintaining health and
vitality, regardless of one's age or stage in life. While the
practice of Pilates is beneficial for many people, it is especially
important for our aging population.
Aging individuals often lose
control of their coordination and muscles, and this can lead to a
sense of frustration and mental anguish for people that have grown
accustomed to their sense of independence. Pilates can provide
people with the tools and techniques they need to age with dignity
and a sense of well being. Pilates isn't for everyone, but it could
be ideal for you.
Natalie Brown is a certified Pilates instructor.
When she is not
stretching and stuff, she writes for pilatesinsight.com - a
wonderful online magazine with information about
Pilates training,
Pilates equipment,
Pilates DVD's and more.
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