3 effective exercises/disciplines for Arthritis
FELDENKRAIS METHOD“Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself” — Moshe Feldenkrais. The Feldenkrais Method is recognised for its demonstrated ability to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image and to alleviate muscular tension and pain. The effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method is in its ability to access the nervous system’s own innate processes to change and refine functioning. Feldenkrais is based on principles of physics, biomechanics and a complete understanding of human development. As a form of somatic education, the Feldenkrais Method uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. This allows increased ease and range of motion, improved flexibility and coordination, and a re-discovery of efficient, graceful movement.
Read MoreThe Baby Boomers with or without arthritis are turning to Pilates
More emphasis these days is on self-help, more on health and certainly being as active as possible for as long as possible. Many baby boomers are turning to exercise classes like Yoga, Callanetics and Pilates. As we age we begin to give up jogging, or high impact sports, or aerobic classes for the low impact exercises, a full workout without wear and tear, and a very low incidence of injury. The exercises that will equip us for later life – the most important are flexibility, mobility and most importantly balance and stability. As people get older one of their worst fears is falling and breaking bones. It is a serious problem as we age, so having good balance gives you the confidence to live life to the full.
Test balance and stability – while holding on to something stand on one foot, with the other foot off the ground about 2 feet, leg bent at the knee. Now let go of what you holding on to and see how long you can balance on one leg. Swap to the other leg.
The key words used to describe Pilates are
Stretching
Lengthening
Better Posture
Mobility
Balance
Stability
Flexibility
Gentle but effective
The emphasis is no longer on jumping, bouncing, jogging, running, high kicks, or big weights. NO MORE – ‘no pain no gain’ mentality.
How can Pilates help you
Pilates can slow down the signs of aging – everyday tasks are easier and more fun
A low impact exercise – leaves your body feeling relaxed, so less aches and pains
Pilates like yoga encourages deep breathing, this oxygenates the blood encouraging more nutrients and oxygen to every cell in the body. This helps the body in its task to detox and repair. Better brain function.
Pilates allows people to continue on a fitness program after having to give up the high impact activities of their younger days.
As already discussed Pilates increases overall mobility and bone density which is especially important as we age.
Pilates decreases stress and tension, having a knock on affect on joint inflammation, swelling and stiffness due to a reduction in stress hormones.
Pilates can be done by men and women of any age. There is no need for any expensive equipment or special clothing. A mat and very comfortable clothing and are are ready
Pilates will you feel and look so much younger with a bounce in your step, as opposed to shuffling around.
Make other lifestyle changes especially the things you eat and drink.
Read MorePilates can help Arthritis – Pain Relief
Exercises for arthritis sufferers have always been recommended but it is important to choose one that will help your condition. Generally water exercises, walking, Qi Gong, and yoga but more recently Pilates is being suggested for sufferers of various types of arthritis.
As we know arthritis is in general terms an inflammation of the joints and it seems that moderate gentle exercises on a regular basis, being careful to stay within the range that is comfortable, helped to maintain joint mobility.
Pilates benefits for arthritis sufferers are
increased strength,
increased mobility,
more flexibility,
better balance
and less aches and pains.
Many people experience less fatigue, with a feeling of well-being and a sense of achievement.
Go to classes, get supervision, they will help you adapt Pilates to suit your condition and level of severity or fitness. If classes are not possible maybe you could get a DVD that specializes in Pilates for arthritis conditions, or for the older generation.
Quality of life is important, so anything you can do to improve joint mobility, reduce stiff joints means your everyday tasks are easier. Pilates is not a cure for any of the arthritis conditions, however along with other lifestyle changes it can help.
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