Your body undergoes a great deal of change during your lifetime. It is a well-known fact that as you age, your body will require more care and the natural rejuvenation process of your cells slows down. A decrease in mobility, strength and balance is the most prominent sign of aging amongst most people and over time, these can affect your daily activities. The good news is that a conscious and consistent exercise program can improve or alleviate the symptoms of aging. One of the best exercises you can engage in is Pilates, which is a low impact and full-body exercise that can strengthen and align the structure of the body.
No matter what your ability, age, or conditioning, you can start a Pilates practice. Even though Pilates are known to be core-focused, they are actually capable of exercising the whole body. It enhances movement patterns and corrects muscular imbalances. Pilates comprise of 600 variations of exercises that are performed on a mat, or on specialized equipment. Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced athlete, Pilates can be useful for you. Some of the health benefits it can offer are mentioned below.
Improves bone density
Low bone density can cause your bones to break more easily, even when you are performing daily activities, such as walking, or standing. It is important to maintain bone density as you age, as it can counteract the onset of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Pilates can prove to be very effective in improving bone density, particularly in menopausal women.
Improves posture
People start to slouch forwards as they age, or they often shrink. Poor posture and misalignment can be due to bad habits, or loss of bone density. Your joints and organs can become compressed and muscles become imbalanced and tight, which can lead to pain. Pilates help in balancing and aligning the body with the aim of creating mobility and ease through the joints. When your muscles are supple and strong and alignment improves, your posture will get better as well.
Improves gait and balance
Coordination and balance are essential for everyday activities, such as walking. Loss of mobility and strength, along with poor posture, can lead to a chain reaction that starts with a reluctance to move and eventually leads to fear of falling. Furthermore, people often see their gait patterns change as they age. Some have stiff and swollen feet that they start to shuffle and drag, while others lose ankle mobility. Pilates help strengthen your hips, trunk, legs and ankles and provide specific balance training that can improve gait and balance.
Improves mobility
The balance of flexibility and strength that ensures a controlled and full range of motion is defined as mobility. Even if you have strength, but no flexibility, or vice versa, you will be prone to injuries. Pilates are great for building support and strength and also improve range of motion at the joints due to mindful controlled movements and smooth transitions. This ensures ease of movement in extracurricular and everyday activities.
