Aging can cause many people to slow down – whether consciously or unconsciously. However, this is the worst possible thing you can allow to happen! While your body may not be up to running marathons or pumping iron, staying mobile and active can actually keep your joints and muscles feeling younger – and increased physical activity has additional health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol, higher disease resistance, improved balance and better motor skills.
Men and women who stay active as they age aren’t just healthier physically; they stay sharper mentally and are less likely to suffer from depression. Joseph Pilates, who developed the Pilates workout method, said: “We retire too early and we die too young, our prime of life should be in the 70s and old age should not come until we are almost 100!”
Most American adults lose one third of their muscle mass between 20 to 80 years of age. Being sedentary increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis and, osteoporosis. The Pilates Method includes over 600 exercises, which consist of precisely controlled movements that are low impact, but yield excellent results. Pilates can increase strength, flexibility and endurance; emphasized muscle tone without adding bulk; add joint range of motion; and improve your posture.
Instead of stressing out individual parts of the body (which can lead to imbalanced muscle workouts, back pain, joint pain and even serious injury), Pilates targets the core and exercise the body as a single unit. Every inch of your body will be carefully stretched and worked out without creating undue stress on any single muscle group.
You can do Pilates on machines that are specifically designed to strengthen and stabilize the spine, abdominals and pelvis, or do exercises on a floor mat with the same goals in mind. In either case, your own body becomes the true workout tool, so you are never working with more resistance or weight than you can handle.
Pilates is the perfect workout for both lifelong athletes entering their golden years, and those who have not exercised in decades but see the need as joints begin to stiffen and muscles ache. A routine can be tailored to your specific needs and goals, to slowly but surely make you stronger and more at ease in your new body – all without sprains, strains, or exhaustion.
Don’t assume that growing old means you can’t or don’t have to be active! Pilates can keep you young, slowing the aging process and increasing your flexibility, strength and balance. Bone density can be improved, and even your mood will be better thanks to the exercise.
Call Pilates of Rye and schedule a session with one of our instructors to see just how fun and easy Pilates is – then sign up for our duet or groups sessions and start getting in the best shape of your life!