Is Pilates Safe for Older Adults?

Much has been written about the benefits of pilates. Pilates, originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates and his wife Clara, is a whole body exercise program that involves the use of slow and precise movements that involve resistance and body conditioning. Pilates is often recommended for people who are participating in some kind of rehabilitation therapy. In fact, the origins of pilates are rooted in the tradition of rehabilitation. When Pilates was a nurse in Great Britain during World War I, he noted a need for appropriate therapy for injured and immobile soldiers returning from war. He tinkered with the hospital beds, creating an early version of a pilates apparatus by using the springs and coils on the mattresses to create a resistance machine for the patients. When the Great Influenza swept across England and the rest of the world, thousands of the sick and injured would die. But Pilates' patients survived. Later, Pilates would boast that all of his patients survived the epidemic. Pilates attributed this to the fact that his specially tailored exercises had improved his patients strength and health significantly. Current research seems to corroborate Pilates' observations. Indeed, regular pilates practice has been linked to a number of extraordinary health benefits.

What are the most coveted health benefits that come from regular pilates practice? Pilates is renown for its ability to improve circulation and posture. Postural symmetry is achieved, and chronic back and neck pain can slowly begin to ease. Unlike other exercise formats, the goal of pilates is not to tone specific areas of the body or bulk up muscles. Pilates is described as a whole body regime because it strives to treat and nourish all of the body.

Even the small, generally ignored joints and muscles located around the ankles and feet are conditioned through pilates. No one-muscle group is favored or emphasized, but rather the whole body is conditioned. This provides participants with an all-over results that include lean, long muscles that are supple yet strong. The benefits of pilates have been especially noted in older adults. Older adults are more likely to suffer from symptoms of arthritis, including stiff and painful joints. Osteoporosis and other conditions that involve degeneration of the bones can be helped through the regular use of pilates. Pilates practice has also been lauded for its ability to help prevent injury. Even adults undergoing serious rehabilitation therapy can use pilates to increase their range of motion and overall muscle strength. But is pilates safe for all adults? Who should avoid participating in a pilates program, and who is more likely to benefit from the program?

Consult your medical professional if you have any doubts about your pilates program. If you are suffering from severe degeneration or physical pain, you should take extra care before beginning a pilates program. You should never feel pain while practicing pilates. If you do, you know that there is something wrong. Don't be afraid to pull back if you feel overwhelmed. Pilates was designed to progress naturally from one movement to another. If you feel stopped at one movement, don't give up. Start at the beginning and work your way back to the areas you found most challenging.