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Monthly Archives

October 2018

Why Pilates is beneficial for Seniors

seniors pilates The body refinery

The Body Refinery teaches Pilates to clients of all ages – including a number of clients in their 70’s and 80’s. Our most senior client is 95!  She attends Pilates once a week and is still incredibly limber for her age. I am always amazed by how much improvement my senior clients gain in their posture, coordination, balance, strength and flexibility by attending regular Pilates sessions. I often hear people say, “I’m too old for Pilates!”, however, I can think of many reasons why Pilates is beneficial for seniors!

As Joseph Pilates said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong, then you are young.”

rehabilitation

 

Why you should continue Pilates into your 50s and beyond:

  • Increased coordination and balance – Pilates exercises are designed to increase stability and strength in the core and the lower limbs, which positively affects balance. This will allow you to move with confidence and reduce the risk of falls and injury.
  • Low-impact and relatively light resistance – Pilates is a really gentle and safe way to exercise, without overloading or straining the joints and soft tissues. The springs provide light, even and controlled resistance.
  • Decreased joint stiffness and pain – Pilates exercises lubricate and nourish the joints and encourage a full range of motion, which leads to improved mobility and decreased joint pain. It is, therefore, safe and effective for people with painful joint conditions such as arthritis.
  • Improved flexibility – Pilates helps to improve muscle length, creating longer leaner muscles that are less prone to injury.
  • Improved posture and alignment – Pilates addresses all areas of the body, focusing on symmetry, mobility and strength. It helps to improve body awareness and encourages elongation of the spine.
  • Correct breathing – Pilates will help to improve your lung capacity and your ribs will move more freely.
  • Rehabilitation after surgery – Pilates is an excellent way to regain your strength and mobility following surgical procedures like a hip or knee replacement.
  • Assists with a variety of age-related ailments – Pilates is beneficial for people with back pain, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, and even Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Staying active and mobile is a key component to ageing well. Our qualified physiotherapists and Pilates instructors can help you to achieve optimal function and physical well-being. You are never too old to do Pilates!

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Don’t wait! Start Pilates today! Join The Body Refinery Pilates classes and focus on your health and mind-body connection. Call our friendly admin team on 07 3358 3915 or info@thebodyrefinery.com.au

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What you should know before starting Pilates

starting pilates

Starting Pilates or any new form of exercise can be daunting at the best of times, you’re not sure what you should bring, how early to arrive and all the rest. So to put your mind at ease here is a list of things you should know before attending your first Pilates class.

 

  • Wear fitted/comfortable clothing – For an instructor, it is hard to see the body and it’s movement if you are wearing baggy or restricting clothes. It can also be a safety issue as loose clothing can get caught in the equipment. Keep in mind that your legs can also be in precarious positions so you probably don’t want everything on show! It is good to be conscious of these things when choosing the clothing you wear to a Pilates class.

 

  • Wear socks – Socks are a must in a Pilates class, particularly in the equipment classes. This is for hygiene purposes, even though the equipment is wiped down regularly.

 

  • Arrive early – It is common courtesy to arrive a few minutes early so the class is not disrupted if you arrive late. If you are new to the studio you will be asked to fill out a new client form so please arrive early enough in order to do this with plenty of time to spare!

 

  • Hygiene – I know it seems like a no-brainer but some people perspire more than others so if you are one of those people you might like to bring a towel with you and some deodorant. Towels are not compulsory but if you would prefer to bring one you are more than welcome.

 

If you have any problems in the class please let the instructor know. At The Body Refinery, we are here to give the best Pilates experience possible so if we can make it better we would love to know! Please also keep in mind that we have clients who are at all different levels so don’t be discouraged if you see other people doing difficult exercises and you are on the basics.

Pilates is a practice and it takes some time to get to those harder exercises but it is exciting knowing that you can potentially work up to those intermediate and advanced exercises in time. Pilates is never boring and always a challenge!

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Join our Pilates Studio in New Farm and focus on your health and mind-body connection. Create your profile or book a class now!

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