Is Pilates Good for Grandma? | Pilates for Seniors

Is Pilates Good for Grandma? | Pilates for Seniors

When the Pilates Method of exercise was first invented, very few people knew how to do it because it was so specialized and different.  However, in the past twenty years or so, Pilates have become increasingly popular, especially in the United States. 

In the United States today, there are many Pilates Method exercise studios, staffed with certified Pilates instructors. 

The participants in the Pilates Method of exercise benefit from the program with increased muscle tone, increased flexibility,  better posture, and reduced stress. 

Of all the exercise programs available out there, Pilates is one of the best for the older generation.

The exercises in the Pilates Method are considered safe and effective for senior citizens.  In fact, the American Association of Retired Persons recommends that senior citizens do exercises that increase their flexibility and strengthen their cores.  Pilates exercises accomplish this and help senior citizens ward off the effects of aging. 

Aside from the physical benefits of increased flexibility and stronger muscles, Pilates also helps its participant to reduce stress and tension and generally to feel better.  Elderly people in particular, as they age, tend to lose their range of motion.  There are several illnesses associated with old age that can be, if not avoided, at least lessened by using the Pilates Method of exercise on a regular basis.  Senior citizens can expect less trouble with back pain, joint pain and the like if they participate in a regular exercise program like Pilates.

Pilates can not only relieve the symptoms of some illnesses but also can increase spinal and joint flexibility, so that the elderly can perhaps avoid more serious problems with these areas.  Doctors will even recommend that the senior citizen join an exercise group for their health and well being.

One of the best reasons to start a Pilates program is that your own abilities control how fast you advance in the program.  Your own strength and fitness will control how you do each exercise; you only do what you can.  Unlike weight training, Pilates is not based on gaining a certain amount of muscle mass.  The main goal of Pilates is the general improvement in health, with increased flexibility, increases muscle tone, and reduced stress.  Piltates is more about mental than physical control. 

The first things that a new Pilates student needs to learn is to control his breathing.  Then, the student needs to learn how to control his balance and muscles.  Finally, the student needs to learn to control all three of these in cooperation with each other. 

Piltates breathing is a little different than other breathing techniques.  It has what is called Lateral Breathing.  Lateral or Thoracic Breathing starts by the participant inhaling deeply through his or her nose and then forcing the air to expand his or her ribcage. 

A good Pilates Method exercise program can help anyone to improve their health and well-being.  While this is important for all, it is especially important for the aged person because as we grow older, we start to lose control and coordination of our muscle, lose muscle mass and lose flexibility.  Not only is this situation physically uncomfortable, but it is also mentally very stressful, causing the individual affected to suffer emotional difficulties along with physical ones. 

The retirement years should be peaceful and restful, not ones where the person is ill and stressed.  A good exercise routine, like the Pilates Method can help the aged to live their twilight years to the fullest.