Over Fifty and Still Fabulous

You may just be surprised at how beneficial Pilates is for you if you fall into the 'Fabulous and over Fifty' crowd.

'Pleasure' is not often a word associated with exercise but, it fits perfectly with Pilates! As our bodies get older (unfortunately they do), your view on exercise starts to shift from high intensity aerobic movements to wanting to find resolutions for lower back pain and general body stiffness.

All those years of not really worry about how many heavy boxes you lifted and how many times you sprained your ankle, all start to snow ball into general arthritic issues. Unfortunately our bodies were not designed to last forever but, on the bright side we can help prevent further damage to them. Pilates is great for all age groups but, because it is a low impact, controlled discipline focusing on inner core strength it makes it almost the perfect exercise for my Over Fifty and Fabulous clients. Okay I might be a bit biased but, there's good reason to be!

Due to incorrect postural positions (i.e. sitting at a desk, watching TV, driving) as we start to age the first problems we are faced with are spinal issues, such as, kyphosis (the curving of the spine leading to slouching or a "hunchback" spinal rounding), lordosis (the inward curvature of a portion of the lumbar spine), severe lower back pain and frozen shoulder. Pilates generally focuses on the muscle groups associated with the pelvic girdle and therefore can help ease some of the above mentioned spinal conditions.

So for my lovely Over Fifties and still Fabulous ladies (and of course gents) here are a few benefits you may find from taking a Pilates class :

No pressure

Much like Yoga, Pilates focuses on principles related to concentration, control and centering of the body or finding ones "powerhouse." In order to truly engage those deep inner core muscles, the exercises are controlled and are often at a slower pace, so that you can focus and concentrate on engaging the correct muscle groups. Being a low impact movement, it means that you are not putting any strain on the heart, lungs or joints.

Improves Balance and Spinal Posture

Many of my clients have commented on how much Pilates has improved their confidence levels, not only are the back muscles being strengthened and as a result, a straighter posture is being attained but, because we're targeting that pelvic girdle area ones balance is improved. In my senior classes I always draw my clients focus to how important it is to gain strength in that pelvic girdle region to prevent falls. Due to joints such as knees, hips and ankles seizing up, this makes one more susceptible to falling but, Pilates helps improve this by strengthening leg and core muscles and by keeping the joints supple, due to increased flexibility.

Stronger bones and aiding in lessening osteoporosis symptoms

First thing is first, I always ask my clients to get their doctors consent before joining up for a Pilates class, especially those who are suffering the effects of osteoporosis. Due to Pilates being a weight bearing exercise it helps to increase bone density and muscle strength which is crucial in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis. Due to this fact I've had many clients come to me for a specified Pilates program after having spinal surgeries, hip replacements, knee replacements and the results have been phenomenal.

Convenience

Many studios use Pilates equipment such as reformers but, Pilates was first developed as a mat discipline and that means that you don't need all that fancy equipment to be able to enjoy the benefits of Pilates, in fact it makes it that much easier to enjoy in the comfort of your own home (just make sure you are always listening to your body and you're being monitored carefully, as to prevent injuries).

Breathing and getting back on track

Pilates not only has physical benefits but, it has mental benefits as well. Due to the disciplined breathing techniques and concentration needed during a class, you're allowing your brain to get a workout in as well. Not to mention the added benefit of feeling good in your own skin, when we get older its not about the aesthetics but, rather the quality of life that matters. Being able to have that sense of accomplishment only helps build your self-esteem, having pain relief is a big perk in feeling competent to enjoy the activities such as playing with your grandchildren or taking your dogs for a walk, things we often take for granted in our younger years.

Probably one of the best benefits is you'll be making new friends, my senior class ended up growing into a group of friends rather than just a group of ladies doing exercises in a fitness class. Making friends and meeting people can be daunting and overwhelming as we get older. So why not "kill two birds with one stone" as they say, you get to enjoy an amazing workout and meet a group of new friends!