Pilates for Seniors in Holly Springs

As we age, our posture is compromised. The head pushes forward, especially in the age of smartphones and tablets. The thoracic spine becomes excessively kyphotic and inflexible. Our breathing is shallow. Pilates focuses on strengthening the core, aligning the hips, ribs and shoulders to lengthen the spine and prevent or relieve chronic pain. The reformer and tower is used to increase core strength, help align the body and stabilize the spine. The barrel is used to gradually correct spinal curves.

Pilates is low impact and gentle on the joints making it a perfect workout for seniors. Functional Pilates breaks down Joseph Pilates' classical exercises to focus on the intent of movement and correctly engage the proper muscles. It teaches how the exercises and movements in Pilates carry over to daily activities such as getting in and out of the car, reaching for something high or bending over to pick something up from the floor. 

"Through Contrology (Pilates) you purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities." --Joseph Pilates 

Pilates exercises are weight bearing exercises and help build bone mass. Strengthening of the bones is important as we age, even if you haven't been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. If diagnosed, flexion exercises are removed from the student's session. An osteoporosis safe session is developed for the student. Removing flexion exercises can be great for stabalizing the spine and strengthening the tranverse abdominus.

The core, or Pilates "powerhouse" involves the abdominal muscles, back muscles, gluteal muscles, pelvic floor, and hip muscles. Strengthening the core improves posture and balance, creating a lighter feel and vigor in the body.

Breath is very important in Pilates. Breathing correctly can help the diaphragm and pelvic floor function accurately and in unison. Most people breath into their chest and periodically hold their breath. This causes a lot of stress in the body. Just learning how to breath properly during the day, let alone during your Pilates session will aid in stress reduction.

"Since we cannot live without breathing it is tragically deplorable to contemplate the millions and millions who have never mastered the art of correct breathing." --Joseph Pilates

"Above all, learn to breathe correctly." -Joseph Pilates

When posture improves, balance improves. Each class ends with the student standing and performing balance exercises and vertical Pilates. 

For more about pilates for seniors in Holly Springs contact EnCore Pilates.