Pilates for an Aging Population
by Natalie Brown
At one time, Pilates was a specialized
form of exercise limited to a handful
of professional practitioners. In
recent times, Pilates has become one
of the biggest exercise fads in America.
Almost every town and city across
this great country has a professional
Pilates studio, staffed by certified
instructors. Pilates, however, is
not just another passing fad. Pilates
is here to stay.
Practitioners of Pilates can experience
countless benefits including improved
posture, flexibility, and balance.
This presents a remarkable opportunity
for an aging population to perform
a series of exercises that are both
safe and effective. According to the
American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP), the stretching and strengthening
of core muscles through the practice
of Pilates is an effective strategy
for combating the effects of aging.
Aside from the benefits noted above,
Pilates can also help with relief
from stress and mental tension. It
can also have a direct impact on maintaining
strength and range of motion, both
of which are especially important
for our aging populace. Studies have
shown that Pilates can also provide
relief from back pain and other physical
injuries, which are often a primary
cause of pain and discomfort.
The wonderful thing about Pilates,
and the reason it is so effective
for people getting on in age, is that
it is a highly effective form of soft
exercise. Pilates can be performed
at a pace dictated by the strength
and stamina of the individual. It
is not goal driven, in the way that
traditional weight training or body
building is. With Pilates, the effectiveness
of the exercise is determined by the
overall impact on the health of the
practitioner. Pilates is all about
achieving long term, tangible results.
The key to the effective practice
of Pilates is to make the connection
between mind and body. Concentration
plays a significant role in Pilates.
One of the core principles of Pilates
is to establish control of the body
through discipline and focused thought.
Much like Yoga, controlled breathing
plays a pivotal role in achieving
results in Pilates. Pilates teaches
a form of breathing called Lateral
Breathing. This is performed by inhaling
deeply through one's nose, and allowing
the inhaled air to expand one's ribcage.
This form of breathing is also called
Thoracic Breathing.
Pilates is a highly effective approach
to maintaining health and vitality,
regardless of one's age or stage in
life. While the practice of Pilates
is beneficial for many people, it
is especially important for our aging
population. Aging individuals often
lose control of their coordination
and muscles, and this can lead to
a sense of frustration and mental
anguish for people that have grown
accustomed to their sense of independence.
Pilates can provide people with the
tools and techniques they need to
age with dignity and a sense of well
being. Pilates isn't for everyone,
but it could be ideal for you.
About the Author
Natalie Brown is a certified Pilates
instructor. When she is not stretching
and stuff, she writes for Pilates
Insight.com - a wonderful online
magazine with information about Pilates
training, Pilates equipment, Pilates
DVD's and more.
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