How Does Pilates Help Your Fitness As You Get Older?

There are many different exercises you can undertake in our barn gym, but as not everyone comes here in the same physical state to begin with, the ideal priorities may vary.

Overall fitness is one variable, as is the fact that some will be injury-free while others are recovering from an injury or nursing a long-term issue. In addition, there will be significant variations in age.

Nobody likes getting older, but there is much you can do to maintain strength and flexibility, reduce aches and pains and avoid injury. Pilates can be particularly useful for this.

Invented in the early 20^th century by Joseph Pilates, the practice is all about a series of exercises that prioritise strengthening your core muscles, with a focus on concentration, control and precision.

The benefits include greater core strength, increased flexibility and the fact that it involves low-impact exercise, which is especially useful for those who may carry injuries or lots of wear and tear on joints caused by years of higher-impact exercises like running or contact sports.

Indeed, the last of these aspects makes Pilates particularly useful for those recovering from injuries, as it is very useful in the recovery phase, enabling you to gain strength in muscles that would otherwise become weaker through a lack of activity.

Furthermore, it’s certainly worth noting that improving your core and general body strength through doing Pilates is great for improving your balance, supporting longevity by reducing the risk of falls – one of the leading causes of mortality as we get older.

There are many different exercises you can undertake. In an Independent article earlier this month, physiotherapist Helen O’Leary suggested five very effective Pilates exercises for those recovering from an injury.

These included Knee Hovers, which strengthen the shoulders, arms and abs; Dead Bugs, which are good for strengthening the abs; Bridge, which is perfect for strengthening the gluteus maximums; the Side Lift, which helps side abdominals, the back and shoulder, plus Leg Pulls, which are a progression of planks and help the abs, back, arms and shoulders.

By undertaking Pilates sessions with us, you will learn how to do these and many other moves. Whether aiding a recovery or enabling you to stay flexible and enjoy strong core muscles in mid-life, Pilates could prove very effective in keeping you strong and fit.