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.”
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!
_ _ _
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
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for a daily dose of Pilates and Wellbeing.
