Whether the body in question is that of a teen experiencing growth spurts, an adult experiencing a change in level of activity, or a senior dealing with the bowing and bending that often accompanies old age, Pilates can help.
Teens: Poor posture and body alignment can be attributed to carrying heavy schoolbags, sitting hunched over a desk or computer for hours, and so on. Growth spurts can lead to a growing teen becoming clumsy and out of alignment, as bones often grow faster than muscles. Pilates can help with balance, coordination, and pain by gently stretching muscles, strengthening and straightening the body and correcting bad posture.
Adults: Hours at a desk can take a formerly fit body and round the shoulders, ruin posture and cause cramping and pain in legs, neck and elsewhere. Pilates is low impact, and through strengthening of core muscles, correction of posture, and increased flexibility, can help adults be and feel healthier and more pain-free.
Seniors: The commonly seen loss of flexibility and aching in the joints and muscles can be prevented for some by commitment to daily exercise. Walking is a terrific way to keep weight down and loosen limbs and Pilates can help to further enhance strength and flexibility. Both men and woman can benefit by strengthening their core, stretching their muscles and gently flexing their joints, which will help to preserve balance and prevent falls. If an injury does occur, patients who do Pilates heal more quickly and are more likely to regain their previous level of mobility.
Athletes: Flexibility and core strength is a cornerstone of Pilates, and virtually all types of sports and physical activities require these in spades! From the ballet studio to the football field, Pilates can help increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and balance, and increase the ability of each athlete to reach higher levels of health, fitness and performance. In case of an injury, Pilates can help the healing and recovery process, providing a safe, gentle, yet thorough rehabilitation routine.
Pregnant Women: A woman’s body goes through incredible changes during pregnancy. Pilates can help make abdominals and back muscles stronger, reducing the amount of strain and pain during the pregnancy and making labor and delivery easier. Pilates is also a terrific after-delivery workout, letting new moms safely and effectively regain their pre-pregnancy body with toning and core building.
No matter what changes your body is going through, Pilates can be beneficial. Check out sessions with a qualified instructor, and find out how you can make your body change for the better!