The 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 seems to help arthritis
To encourage joint lubrication, cartilage repair, strengthen muscles, and generally encourage better circulation to the area. Remember go easy.
Pilates can easily be tailored to your individual needs, contracting muscles without moving joints can be useful when joints are inflamed. Then there is the movement of both muscles and joints helping to build strength and mobility.
For an arthritis sufferer there are what is called closed chain exercises, they put less strain on the joints, working muscles groups.
An important part of Pilates for arthritis sufferers is encouraging the correct bio-mechanics – by specific alignment movements and strengthening the surrounding tissue. Encouraging better circulation to the area. As a result there is less pressure on the joints, less wear and tear, better circulation to the joints encourages repair.
Before you embark on a Pilates program seek out advice, even if you can’t afford the classes long term – get as many as you can afford. Then if you want to continue Pilates long-term buy a DVD that specializes in such conditions.
Little by little, step by step, never over do it and never do more than is comfortable. Remember to breath.
Pilates can be part of your program to get healthier and manage your arthritis – one of the most important things is to have a really nourishing therapeutic diet.
Read MoreWhat is the difference between Pilates or Yoga?
Both Pilates and Yoga will help manage the various forms of arthritis, Pilates or Yoga.
Pilates and Yoga are similar and at the same time very different, like Pilates from the West and Yoga from the East.
Yoga is centuries old, its roots are in Eastern philosophy, and ancient healing with almost meditative states of exercise. It about harmony, peace, at one the whole body, mind and soul.
Pilates is the young upstart from the West, designed by German born Joseph Pilates. It’s an exercise method that is all about physical conditioning of honing and toning.
Both Pilates and Yoga emphasis correct breathing, control and physical strength, and balance.
Both Pilates and Yoga require physical and mental concentration to get the pose or position correct.
Do do Pilates or Yoga, you don’t need special equipment to do the routines and poses.
However, Pilates workout can be enhanced with equipment.
Yoga does make you more flexible physically, the emphasis is on the mind.
Pilates does work the mind, but the emphasis is on the body, building strength and flexibility.
Yoga holds a pose and in so doing it dispenses stagnant energy and helps to get your chi flowing again. Tension in the body eases as you center your mind and condition your body.
In a nut shell Yoga emphasizes on feeling good and then looking good
Pilates emphasizes looking good and then feeling good
Still can’t make up your mind – no problem there are now YogaPilates classes so you have the best of both worlds.
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.
Read MoreArthritis & Pain Program at The Haven
