The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, was an extraordinary innovator of his time. He created something truly remarkable that could be shared with the entire human race indefinitely— senior Pilates classes are meant for any age and experience level.
But has Pilates been underrated and overlooked? Absolutely. It should be your go-to exercise for strength, tone, and the mind-body connection. Pilates classes for seniors are especially vital, playing a great role in anti-aging efforts and your overall longevity.
Mind-Body Connection
I’m always fascinated to see how so many articles in magazines are focused on boot camp, weight training, running, yoga, or group fitness. Not to mention the fact that we see the same exercises that constantly feature in all the health magazines, labeled as the ‘go to’ exercises: The plank, ball workouts, the same ab workouts, the usual stretches and don’t forget the bridge.
However, we have missed one amazing form of exercise that promotes longevity. A mind-body connection like no other. An amazing workout and not to mention variety like nothing you have ever experienced before. I’m referring to the amazing world of the Pilates Reformer classes.
It’s a Life-Changing, Anti-Aging Exercise
Joseph Pilates came up with a series of movements that not only incorporated stretching but also encouraged the body to build muscle.
If you have not seen the Reformer or Cadillac before, you could confuse them with some kind of medieval torture device in your first-time Pilates class. But when you have the privilege of moving on Pilates equipment, you’ll experience how your body awakens.
Healing
If I think about Pilates, the words that immediately come to my mind are: life-changing, magical, and intense. Also challenging, creative, impressive, healing, powerful, gentle, and oozing with pure movement bliss.
Are we not over seeing planks, pelvic hinges on the ball, and push-ups in a magazine? People are in search of variety, adventure achievable goals, and something that will make them look and feel great. But let us not forget the benefits that Pilates has within the body. Where the shoulders, spine, hips, knees, and ankles yell ‘Hallelujah’ for all the good loving that they receive in a senior pilates class.
Anyone Can Do It
This exercise judges nobody, no matter your age, shape, size, fitness, or strength. I believe this is the most adaptable form of exercise that’s currently out there, which affords the client an opportunity to work in a more private setting if required.
That feeling of euphoria, comfort, and security combined with powerful results, lies within the root of the Pilates for seniors. Whenever we read about healthy mind-body exercises, we read about Yoga. Don’t get me wrong, yoga is amazing, However, Pilates benefits are endless when it comes to anti-aging.
Strengthens Your Core and Tones Your Muscles for Longevity
If you were told that there was a senior pilates class was a form of exercise that enabled you to; explore and discover your body in motion, tone your muscles, strengthen your core. Increase your overall flexibility, increase full body strength, and promote longevity, would you not sign up in a heartbeat?
Okay, so you pay a little more for senior Pilates classes. But to be 100% honest, this is investing in your body. It’s about anti-aging, living well, and avoiding those horrendous medical bills.
This is not about quick fixes. This anti-aging exercise is focused on pretty much everything and your final destination is longevity. In your first-time Pilates class, you will see how much Pilates is life-changing.
Do you want to tone, rehabilitate, or enhance your sports performance? Are you pregnant? Pilates will help. Do you need to de-stress? If you’re looking for a holistic approach to your body? Pilates. Do you want fewer aches and pains? A pilates class for seniors will help.
If you want variety? There are at least 540 exercises to choose from and with modification as much as 2000 different exercises. It’s insane, but true that Pilates classes for seniors will always keep you on your toes and learning every time you take a class.
Get a Good Instructor
Often athletes and seniors can be predisposed to certain injuries but Pilates brings something different to your workout and plays an incredible role in cross-training. My advice would be that you make sure that you attend your first Pilates class at a professional Pilates studio.
Before You Join a Studio, Ask Yourself These Questions
- What is the energy like at the studio? Welcoming and supportive?
- Are you learning anything from the instructor?
- Do they adjust an exercise for you according to your needs?
- Is your class full of variety, movement, discovery and the correct level of intensity?
- Are your instructors familiar with anatomy?
- Is the full Pilates space being utilized and are you exploring all the equipment?
- Do you feel that there is a good flow to your class?
Get Hooked On Senior Pilates Classes
Open yourself up to all of the possibilities this exercise regime brings to your health and anti-aging regime.
Get hooked on the right things in life. The things that are going to prolong your health, your joints and your overall well-being. That’s Pilates!
View our new client special to get started with first-time Pilates classes at Five Starr Pilates & Fitness.
