Is Pilates Safe for Older Adults?

Pilates

Dear friends,
Many people asked me ...............

Is Pilates Safe for Older Adults?

Much has been written about the benefits of pilates. Pilates, originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates and his wife Clara, is a whole body exercise program that involves the use of slow and precise movements that involve resistance and body conditioning.

Pilates is often recommended for people who are participating in some kind of rehabilitation therapy. In fact, the origins of pilates are rooted in the tradition of rehabilitation.

When Pilates was a nurse in Great Britain during World War I, he noted a need for appropriate therapy for injured and immobile soldiers returning from war. He tinkered with the hospital beds, creating an early version of a pilates apparatus by using the springs and coils on the mattresses to create a resistance machine for the patients.

When the Great Influenza swept across England and the rest of the world, thousands of the sick and injured would die. But Pilates' patients survived. Later, Pilates would boast that all of his patients survived the epidemic.

Pilates attributed this to the fact that his specially tailored exercises had improved his patients strength and health significantly. Current research seems to corroborate Pilates' observations. Indeed, regular pilates practice has been linked to a number of extraordinary health benefits.

What are the most coveted health benefits that come from regular pilates practice?

Pilates is renown for its ability to improve circulation and posture. Postural symmetry is achieved, and chronic back and neck pain can slowly begin to ease. Unlike other exercise formats, the goal of pilates is not to tone specific areas of the body or bulk up muscles.

To be continued tomorrow............... :o)


Pilates