Pilates is a brilliant form of exercise for people of all ages and abilities. There is no upper age limit for exercises and Pilates for over 60’s comes with a wide range of benefits. It’s a fantastic form of exercise to develop core strength and mobility which is often neglected as we get older. With focus on stability, strength and coordination Pilates will challenge you in many ways regardless of your age!
Improving Strength
As we get older, we often lose bone density and so any form of weight bearing exercise is excellent to help combat this. As we lose bone density, we increase the risk of broken bones. Strength training or weight bearing exercise is particularly important for post menopausal women to help avoid osteopenia and osteoporosis. It is also incredibly beneficial for men too to help maintain suppleness and muscle mass.
Balance
As we get older our balance and coordination can deteriorate affecting everyday activities such as walking. Pilates promotes strength and flexibility in the core and legs. This in turn positively impacts our balance creating a more stable foundation upon which we can carry out everyday tasks which in turn should decrease the risk of falling.
Posture
As we age, the body often becomes less flexible and supple. We can also develop bad habits which combined with a decrease in bone density can result in poor postures (rounded shoulders, forward head position, one sided imbalances) and lead to pain. Pilates focuses on good body alignment whilst keeping the body strong and supple.
Flexibility
It’s important to keep the body as flexible as possible as we age. Pilates focuses on moving the body in a variety of ways, keeping the spine flexible and helping to avoid one sided imbalances and stiffness. It’s also a brilliant way to keep the body mobile.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be incredibly debilitating. Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for strengthening the core muscles. A stronger core will in turn lead to a more supported, stable back and hopefully decrease the chance of suffering from back pain.
Adaptable
Another reason why Pilates for over 60’s is so great is because it is extremely adaptable. It can be performed in a studio, your own home or outside. No equipment other than a mat is necessary. It’s also possible to adapt the exercises to suit the range of movement a participant is able to do. For example, for some older adults sitting on the floor can be uncomfortable and a difficult position to get into. In this instance, exercises could be performed sitting on a stool or a chair.
What we offer
At our studio in Twyford, we teach 1-1 STOTT Pilates as well as personal training and EMS training. We also do mobile sessions and could travel to your home. If you would like to find out more about any of these forms of exercise, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us for a free trial: https://www.fasttrackfitness.net/contact-us/
To find out more about Stott Pilates view our recent blog to find out the
basic principles and what you will focus on.
