Pilates Improves Posture and Balance
Practicing Pilates may improve posture and balance as you sit, stand, walk, or run. It strengthens your core and stabilizes muscles to keep you on your feet. That leads to better posture and movement during everyday activities and exercises. It can also help you avoid injury from falls as you age.
One study found that Pilates improved balance, posture, and mobility in older adults. Another study compared Pilates with a general fitness program for older adults. It showed that Pilates was more effective at improving balance and preventing falls.
Supports athletic performance
Many athletes cross-train with Pilates. The low-impact workout complements their sport-specific training. It can help prevent overtraining. Benefits like better core strength and flexibility might even improve their performance.
In a small study, runners improved their 5K performance after doing a Pilates program. The researchers attributed it in part to the increase in core strength.
Loss of Balance
Maintaining and improving balance and coordination are vital to one’s quality of life. As we approach our early 40s, both balance and coordination start to decline. The great news is that movement and exercise can improve balance, including practicing Pilates two-three times per week and incorporating mindful habits into your daily routine. For the majority of the aging population, a "bent forward posture" results from the spine and trunk muscles weakening, thus losing the ability to stabilize and protect. Muscle stiffness and imbalance, among other factors, can contribute to a diagnosis of Osteoporosis.
Improving Balance
Falling and poor posture are common fears amongst seniors. These factors start to limit ankle mobility, where a step becomes a shuffle or a dragging of the feet. Long term, these effects can lead to immobility, stiffness, and a greater chance for falling.
To limit these factors, prevention is the key. Focus on exercises to improve balance and posture, such as strengthening the spine and trunk muscles for an upright posture, as well as working on the lower body, especially the feet and ankles. For improved balance and coordination, specific balance training must be included in one’s exercise regime. Training different body positions not only challenges the body, but also results in improved coordination, mobility, and reaction time.
Improves mental health
Pilates is more than a physical activity. Like yoga, it’s mind-body practice. It involves slow movements and controlled breathing that can promote mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment. It helps you understand your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.
Increasing mindfulness with Pilates may reduce stress and boost well-being. A research review showed that Pilates improved mood and quality of life in older adults.
Looking for Pilates Classes in Upper East Side?
At ChaiseFitness, we believe that anyone can be fit—no matter what skill level or body type. This belief inspired the creation of our patented Reinvention Method, which is for everyone—the athlete, the dancer, the beginner, the advanced, the rebuilder. We blend Pilates, ballet, and strength training and equip you with a chair and overhead bungees so that you work out all your muscles every time. We are located in Upper East Side in Manhattan. For more information, you can contact us at (973)996-2063, or visit our website.
