Pilates Training The Real Fountain Of Youth

Aging can cause many people to slow down, whether consciously or unconsciously. Don’t assume that growing old means you can’t or don’t have to be active! 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 70’s and old age should not come until we are almost 100!”

Pilates is a total system of exercises which is designed to build your body’s core strength gradually through balancing, stretching and correct breathing techniques. Core strength exercise is vital as we get into middle age and beyond. Pilates truly keeps your body and spirit young, and it does so in very specific ways. Here are just some of the ways Pilates is a veritable fountain of youth, in no particular order:

1. Breathing

Pilates teaches you to breathe fully and deeply. Oxygen saturation to your cells has been shown to improve energy as well as cognitive abilities. That means no more tired, sluggish, forgetfulness regardless of your age.

2. Full Body Exercise

Pilates training is based on low reps and good form with each move. You’ll avoid poor body mechanics and repetitive stress injuries. Addressing all body parts equally keeps the body symmetrically strengthened and mobile for decades.

3. Complete Range of Motion

Each movement in Pilates promotes full range of motion of the joints. Such exercises lubricates joints and preserves healthy tissues for the long haul. Maintaining the ability to sit, stand, kneel and bend is the key to longevity and well-being.

4. Alignment

Pilates teaches you to work within a safe frame and strengthens the body symmetrically with each exercise. Real life happens to all of us. Our workouts should counter our daily activities and compensate for asymmetries we impose upon ourselves. Keeping your body aligned staves off injuries and allows for better all over mobility.

5. Transitions

Pilates training focuses in on transitions between moves and within moves, training the body and mind to control your movements no matter what. With less haphazard moves, you’ll avoid unwanted incidents and injuries.

When it comes to safe exercise Pilates tops the list. Strengthening your body’s core improves your flexibility. Stiffness and lack of fluid movement are often associated with an aging body. Core muscles protect your spine and build bone density and strength which is vital for older individuals and essential to keep the risk of osteoporosis and back problems at bay. You will stay active and even your mood will be better thanks to the exercise. Pilates is the best anti-aging exercise system you can carry on doing for many years.

Nancy Hawkins Riggs is the founder and owner of Forever Fit Foundation, a personal training business specializing in Pilates, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, Yamuna Body Rolling and sport specific training. Forever Fit Foundation accepts clients at three sites: Dover and Lewes, Del., and Mendenhall Station, Pa., just over the Delaware line. A certified athletic trainer, she earned her bachelors degree fro the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in exercise science and sports medicine from Miami University in Ohio. Please call (302) 423-1816 or (302) 698-5201 to schedule an appointment for more information.