Long gone are the days when we could only imagine the older generation sitting in a rocking chair. Because Pilates exercises can be modified and adapted to suit your needs, older people don't have to give up an active lifestyle. Age-related difficulties, such as weak bones or rheumatism, no longer prevent them from exercising. After all, Joseph Pilates himself was still actively practising Pilates in his eighties!
„Pilates is perfect for older people because it doesn't put as much strain on the body as other exercises and it's not as damaging to the joints as most sports,” says Ellie Herman, Pilates instructor and owner of several Pilates studios. „It's an extremely gentle way to exercise. If you're getting into that age range and haven't exercised in a while, pilates is the perfect way to start exercising again.”
Pilates courses for the older age group
Although Pilates is easy to follow through videos or books, it is still advisable to enrol in a class, especially if you are a beginner.
As Pilates becomes more and more accepted in the fitness world, Pilates courses for older people are becoming more and more popular. If you can't find a class near you, it's worth trying a beginner's class. For most older people, the beginner level is not too difficult and gives just enough room for improvement. It is also a plus that the groups are usually relatively small, so the instructor can pay particular attention to personalising the exercises. In addition, small groups tend to bond more quickly, so after a couple of hours you can train in a real small community.
The third option is a personal trainer, who can be found in most Pilates studios. This is the easiest way to learn the basics of Pilates. The only disadvantage is that you don't have a team around you to motivate you.
What to look out for?
Before you start Pilates, you should always consult your doctor. Pilates is highly adaptable, but it is important to know what medical conditions to consider when determining exercises.
Many people find that, over the years, their balance, flexibility and load-bearing capacity are not what they used to be. Pilates can reverse these signs of ageing with just a little commitment and perseverance. There is no shame in not being able to do certain exercises - each student has the right to adapt the exercises to their own ability. A good teacher will work with students, assess their abilities and, not least, look after them. We should never be afraid of getting injured or falling and we should never engage in exercises we cannot do.
Pilates and osteoporosis
Osteoporosis should not be ignored, as one careless move can keep us out of exercise for months. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the structure of the bones and is associated with an increased risk of fractures and cracks. People over 65 are at high risk of developing osteoporosis, so it's vital to check bone density before starting Pilates.
Exercises that use your own body as a weight (such as Pilates) are often recommended by doctors to prevent osteoporosis. However, if the condition is already present, the exercises change significantly. In such cases, most exercises that require balance, bending forward and various twists are not recommended. However, this does not mean that people with osteoporosis should not practise Pilates, only that the exercises should be designed to eliminate the risk of fracture.
What is a doomsday?
Pilates is also very useful for older people. You can look years younger with Pilates if you stay committed, persistent, enthusiastic and careful.