You are tired, don’t feel like exercising, and find that many exercise programs are not for you. No matter what you try, you are not getting results. The gym is out because of men lurking at you. Besides, the gym is full, and there never seems to be any room to exercise. It’s time to try Pilates.
I am a big fan of Pilates, and you want to know why? It delivers results, and the benefits for women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond are incredible. Have you tried Pilates yet? If not, perhaps this post will convince you.
5 Facts Why Pilates Rocks Your Body Every Time
- Low-Impact Exercise: Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that is gentle on joints, making it ideal for women over 50 who may have age-related joint issues or a preference for workouts with reduced impact.
- Improves Core Strength and Stability: Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which can help improve posture, stability, and balance. This is particularly beneficial for women over 50 who may experience muscle tone and balance changes as they age.
- Enhances Flexibility: Pilates exercises incorporate stretching and lengthening movements, promoting flexibility and preventing muscle stiffness, which can become more common with age.
- Promotes Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises like Pilates can help maintain and improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, a condition more prevalent in women as they age.
- Mind-Body Connection: Pilates emphasizes mindfulness, breathing techniques, and body awareness. It can help reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and enhance overall body control and coordination, which can be especially valuable during aging.
These reasons make Pilates an excellent exercise choice for women over 50, providing a holistic approach to physical fitness and promoting strength, flexibility, balance, and mental well-being.
Can Anyone Do Pilates?
Yes, Pilates is a versatile form of exercise that can be adapted to accommodate different fitness levels, abilities, and age groups. While it is suitable for most individuals, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified Pilates instructor before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
Pilates can be modified to meet the needs of beginners, older adults, or individuals with physical limitations. A qualified instructor can tailor the exercises, provide appropriate modifications, and ensure proper form and technique to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk of injury.
Pilates can be a valuable addition to your exercise routine whether you are young or older, a beginner, or experienced in fitness. It offers a wide range of exercises and variations that can be customized to suit individual needs, making it accessible and beneficial for most people.
Fact #1
Pilates (/pəˈläˌdēz/) is a system of exercises using special equipment designed to improve physical strength, flexibility and posture, breathing, and overall healthy being. You can also practice Pilates without equipment on the floor (we call this Mat Pilates) and gain amazing benefits.
Over 500 exercises in the Pilates repertoire, plus 34 mat exercises.
Pilates is taught in classes, private sessions, and duets (2 people in 1 session).
Do you want a full-body workout? Then you have to try Pilates.
Fact #2
You will find different levels of Pilates, from beginner to advanced. Some of the infomercials for Pilates look hard, and these exercises may not be part of your Pilates training as they do not apply to your individual needs. Initially, it’s a bit confusing, but you will love the feeling after class.
Fact #3
Pilates is a low-impact exercise incorporating the body, mind, and breath. It focuses on all muscle groups, and most clients come to work their core (the abdominals, hips, and back). Reducing stress while strengthening your muscles and bones – think osteoporosis prevention.
Fact#4
Pilates is not a weight loss program, but it can become aerobic, depending on your fitness level. Some clients found they lost weight because they started paying more attention to their bodies and diet. In addition, you will begin to lose inches because you will tone your body.
Fact #5
Pilates uses springs (just like a rubber band) that provide resistance and will tone the arms and legs and strengthen the spine. Losing bone density in menopause is an important fact to remember. Pilates exercises are designed to strengthen the bones without putting as much stress on the body as other forms of exercise (e.g., running).
Adding Pilates to your world will make you feel better and more energized and start burning belly fat.
Check out our Fearlessly Fit exercise membership, where you can find a variety of Pilates, strength, and stretching videos that you can stream from anywhere in the world.