As per the U.S. Census, nearly 1 in 5 of the nation’s residents will be around 65 or older by 2030. It is also because more and more people live longer, and the quality of life is also improving drastically.
Well, that should be the motto of every living being, we must improve the quality of our life as we grow older. However, as we grow older, we also suffer from several health issues. We accept it as a normal part of aging.
Pilates, The Best Exercise to Stay Fit
One way we can improve our quality of life is by eating right and exercising. As we age, we gradually lose our mobility and flexibility, so we should find something that will promise both. Well, Pilates is one form of exercise that can provide both.
Joseph Pilates founded this around the First World War. He started outfitting hospital beds with springs to help bedridden patients exercise against resistance. This made him discover the popular machine of Reformer. The Reformer is still one of the most effective equipment today to help people suffering from debilitating conditions.
Whether you are already a fit person or beginning your fitness journey, Pilates is just the exercise that can transform you. Many senior citizens have been reporting multiple benefits after starting with a Pilates-based exercise program.
Pilates is Gentle for the Body
Many Pilates activities involve non-weight-bearing exercises. All you need to do is lie down, practice reclining exercises, or perform exercises while sitting. The movements are gentle on the aging joints. It combines the benefits of other exercise programs without the usual injury risks.
Pilates can be a part of a rehabilitation program, especially when you are recovering from surgical procedures such as a hip replacement or knee surgery. A physical instructor will then modify the Pilates exercises to cater to the individual needs of seniors. It can be particularly useful in health conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic health conditions.
A Great Workout to Improve Strength and Endurance
Although Pilates does not need you to jump around and include high-intensity exercises, it can focus on small and deliberate movements. Yes, the movements include a small range of motion to build the strength of the body.
There are fewer chances of injury or fatigue. As seniors start to gain control and confidence, they begin to progress into the next level and include greater ranges of motion that promise flexibility and ease of movement.
Can Help Prevent Falls
Another great benefit of Pilates is it corrects posture, balance, breathing. It can also strengthen your core. Well, this is one of the foundational elements of Pilates. This also provides greater coordination and stability and improves functional movement.
This helps in improving regular movements such as maintaining standing and walking. Pilates also increases strength and flexibility, lending strength to the core and the legs, which helps maintain balance.
Boosts Mobility
During the last decade, sedentary behavior has been posing a major health risk factor whether you are 18 or 80. It can prove to be a great challenge to maintain or improve mobility as you continue to age. If you are sedentary, you might develop diseases like obesity, higher rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancers, diabetes, bone-related issues, dementia, and depression.
Practice Pilates, and you may be able to stall the diseases on their path. You also have to make lifestyle changes to ensure you stay fit and healthy.
Helps Reducing the Effect of Age-related Disorders
One 2016 clinical study had come out as an interesting study. An 8-week Pilates program not only improved gait (walking) in post-stroke patients it also promised great benefits for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
We repeat the regular exercise in general, and Pilates can help seniors stay independent, hale, and hearty for a longer period.
Improves Breathing and Circulation
Observe your breathing. Understand how you are breathing? Is your breathing shallow or easy? Well, as we grow older, a lack of proper breathing can make our respiratory system weak. It is just that the muscles responsible for breathing become weak. Also, the ribs become stiff.
A specific Pilates’ breathing practice lengthens the tight ribcage and makes the muscles responsible for breathing stronger, making your respiratory system more efficient. Now you know the many benefits of Pilates, you should certainly make it a part of your life. So what if you are in your retirement years? You can still be fit and healthy, and thanks to Pilates, you can be even fitter than your younger years.