I have many 50+ age clients that frequent my Pilates studio, and I really enjoy working with them. Since Pilates is ageless – the founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, practiced into his 80’s – it’s a wonderful way to stay fit while we all naturally mature and lose flexibility and strength.
Why Pilates
Because Pilates exercises can be modified, it’s appropriate for seniors at all fitness levels. Those that know me understand that I also provide my clients with many verbal cues throughout the class so everyone stays safe. This is why many seniors love my studio. Since I focus solely on semi-private and private Pilates sessions, my clients receive tailored workouts with modifications when needed, making it ideal and popular amongst my older clientele.
Tendon Stretches help with knee, hip & ankle injuries.
Do you remember how flexible you were as a child? It was so easy to bend over and touch your toes. But, over time, we lose that flexibility. Stretching is so important in our every day lives. Because many of our workouts incorporate stretches – whether on the mat or on a machine like the Reformer – it’s a great way for Baby Boomers and seniors to ease back into movement and exercise without unnecessary muscle strains.
The Mermaid stretches both sides of your waist.
Major Benefits
So, what should you expect from taking Pilates classes?
- Increased balance, flexibility, strength, and stamina. For women, it is recommended as a part of bone building programs to help prevent osteoporosis.
- The aging process affects our bodies in ways that Pilates can hedge against and even reverse to a certain degree.
- Great posture and spine health. Pilates helps to lengthen all the connections into the spine, and enhances flexibility of back muscles as its focused on fluid movement. Seniors who tend to hunch forward or ‘shrink’ and experience back problems with age directly benefit.
- Renewed energy, improved appetite and better sleep patterns. After attending sessions, you’ll fee better about yourself and your overall health will improve, providing you with more energy and a sound mound.
- Improved overall core strength, which helps with balance. This ultimately can help decrease the risk of falls.
- Decreased anxiety. I love this one… Joseph Pilates said, “It is the Mind which shapes the Body.”
There are many more benefits, but the best thing you can do is get started!
Pilates Push Through uses the Tower Springs for a full-body stretch.
How to Begin
I’m glad you’ve given it some thought and are ready to begin incorporating Pilates into your lifestyle. Here are a few tips to consider:
- I recommend that you start out in private and semi-private settings for safety reason with a certified instructor like myself. With one-on-one time, I can spend more direct time with you and make sure you secure a basic understanding and foundation of the movement principles of Pilates.
- Both Pilates Mat or Reformer sessions are completely safe for senior citizens. Let’s talk through all avenues and choose the right approach for you.
- Before taking any class, please check with your health or medical professional and notify your instructor of any conditions so that workout adjustments can be made accordingly.
- I always say to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, always speak up. Your instructor can ask questions to make sure you pain is ‘good’ and that you are not experiencing something that you shouldn’t.
Modifications can easily be made on the Wunda Chair and other apparatus.
If you are in the Charleston or Mount Pleasant area, I’d like to invite you to contact me for an initial fitness consultation. After a few private sessions together – completely based on your availability – we’ll be able to put together a fitness plan appropriate for you and your overall health goals. Are you ready to give it a try?