Click on the link below to find out the role the 8 Principles play in the Pilates’ technique.
Anyone embarking on a fitness regime would be advised to seek guidance and incorporate specific Pilates’ exercises into any fitness exercise programme.
Pilates can even be beneficial during pregnancy, If this applies to you, click below to find out more...
PILATES FOR SENIORS
The Pilates Institute Method (PIM) is an ideal approach for a more senior client as it addresses the
important issues regarding the changes in the body that come with age. Additional benefits include performing daily tasks with ease to improve quality of life and confidence.
Improved Posture, Joint stability and Mobility
As we grow older our posture changes; we become more rounded and in most extreme cases a person may become stooped. Rounded posture will change the shape of the spine compressing the joints and may cause impingement at the shoulder joint resulting in problems when lifting the arms. Reaching up for items in cupboards becomes harder and may lead to falls. Most falls are as a result of reaching up. Pilates’ exercises will address these issues by improving posture and shoulder mobility.
Improved Breathing and Circulation
As we grow older breathing may become more laboured as posture rounds forwards. Muscles responsible for breathing become weak and the ribs become stiff. The result will be a lack of oxygen in the blood circulating around the body which can contribute to dizziness and even confusion. The specific Pilates’ breathing technique lengthens the tight ribcage and strengthens the muscles responsible for breathing resulting in a more efficient respiratory system.
Improved Balance and Body Awareness
Falls are common among older adults and often lead to injury. Walking is a basic requirement for mobility and older people may lose their confidence if they have experienced a fall due to loss of balance or control. We rely on our senses to stand still and move; these senses deteriorate as we become older affecting our balance and mobility. Many falls are preventable and Pilates may help to reduce them by improving balance and co-ordination.
Improved Strength and Flexibility
With age, muscular strength decreases especially in the lower body and between the ages of 30-50 muscle strength has been shown to reduce as much as 30%. Physical inactivity will contribute to muscle loss which, in turn, leads to decreased muscular endurance resulting in early fatigue and an increased risk of falling. Loss of muscle power affects the older adult’s ability to walk, climb stairs and lift themselves out of a chair. Flexibility also deteriorates with age. Pilates’ exercises will address these issues and improve the body’s muscular balance.