Why is Pilates so good for our body & health particularly as we age?

We all know that doing regular exercise is valuable and research reveals that it is beneficial in order to live a healthier life. Starting an exercise program or class earlier in life will help maintain your fitness and strength and embrace any physical challenges as we continue to age.

From research we know that from as young as 30 years old muscle mass, strength and physical performance deteriorates. This results in a 10% reduction in aerobic capacity per decade. Aging also affects the pelvic floor muscles which can lead to urine leakage as we get older.

Reduced strength and general muscle mass can overall lead to a higher risk of falls, more aches and pains as well as difficulty with everyday function and activities.

The good news is that if you exercise on a regular basis, it will help maintain muscle strength and function as well as keep your bone density. Research shows that people who start with a higher aerobic capacity and maintain an active lifestyle will maintain greater fitness and health throughout their life.

During the Pilates classes here at SmartMoves Physiotherapy, we often use weights or other resistance such as therabands or pilates rings to challenge the muscles in order to achieve muscle growth. Evidence shows that if you load your muscles enough then your body will adapt after the workout which results in stronger muscles. This also promotes increased bone density which is important to prevent or manage osteoporosis particularly following menopause. Pilates also focusing on switching on and promoting our deep postural muscles that commonly get neglected with every day tasks and particularly sedentary work. It is also a group class which can provide you with social network and it is a structured program so you won’t have to think too much about it, all you need to do is turn up with your drink bottle!