Pilates for the Elderly
Individuals who are over 60 years of age can also benefit from Pilates exercises. They just need to use some precautions especially if Pilates is a new exercise program for them. Whenever an individual has health concerns, is overweight or elderly they should always check with a doctor before starting any new exercise program. As we age, we raise our risk for injury while doing physical activity. Pilate’s will help to strengthen the muscles and keep the body flexible. There are many physical changes that occur in the body as we age such as the bones becoming more brittle and calcified, the muscles also become more elastic and the joints lose the fluid making them more prone to injury.
Your Pilate’s instructor can instruct the elderly client on which exercises are safe for him/her to do and which ones would cause too much wear and tear on their bones and soft tissues. Pilate’s will also help them to be able to move more freely and the loss of flexibility in the body is a common complaint of the elderly.
The elderly should be careful about which exercises they do and stop doing anything that causes them to feel uncomfortable or when they experience any pain. If the elderly person has never done Pilate’s before they should start with the basics and take it slowly. The elderly should strengthen the abdominal muscles by doing upper abdominal curls, strengthening the back, butt and to stabilize the torso. It is also important to stretch the back and shoulders.
Pilate’s can increase mobility as well as independence as the elderly approach retirement. Not only does Pilates give the elderly the ability to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility but also attending classes allows them to socialize with others the same age.
While in a Pilate’s class the elderly individual will learn how to improve muscle alignment and to promote mobility in the spine region, and improve their posture and also joint stability.
The elderly Pilate’s client should be carefully monitored to be sure that he/she is not overdoing the exercises. Exercises should be done carefully and by paying close attention to any signals the body may be giving out. If you are 60 years of age or older and are doing Pilate’s if you take things slowly, follow your instructor’s advice and stop when your body tells you that it has had enough you will be able to benefit from Pilate’s.
The elderly benefit from Pilate’s because Pilate’s improves the health, flexibility, strength and core muscle strength of the body giving the elderly individual independence. Participating Pilates focuses on core muscle strengthening, and improving muscle alignment and promoting mobility. Remember to ask your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
