The Health Benefits of Pilates for Older Adults

Pilates is one form of exercise that can benefit your bone health, strength, and mobility as you age.
Pilates is an excellent full-body, low impact method known to align and strengthen the structure of the body.
Regardless of your age, conditioning, or ability, it’s never too late to start a Pilates practice.

Benefits of Pilates for older adults
Studies have shown that a Pilates practice can have tremendous benefits at various stages of life.
You should consult a doctor before embarking on any exercise program, and it’s best to work one-on-one with a qualified instructor or in a specialized class if you have any existing health concerns.

۱. Improves bone density
Studies have shown that Pilates may improve bone density, especially among postmenopausal women.
Maintaining bone density as you age is important for counteracting the onset of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Increasing bone density through weight-bearing exercise is key to slowing bone deterioration.

۲. Improves posture
Misalignment and slouching can be attributed to loss of bone density and bad habits. But slouching also contributes to compression of the joints and organs as you age, as well as tight and imbalanced muscles, which often result in pain.
Pilates focuses on aligning and balancing your body with an emphasis on creating ease and mobility through the joints.

۳. Improves balance and gait
Balance and coordination are necessary for everyday activities like walking. Loss of strength and mobility, along with slouching, can cause a chain reaction that starts with a reluctance to move and often evolves into a fear of falling.
A good Pilates program will build strength and stability and also improve balance, decreasing the risk of falls and fractures.

۴. Improves mobility
Studies have shown that Pilates’ smooth transitions and mindful, controlled movements are ideal for building strength and support and improving the range of motion at the joints. This allows for ease of movement in everyday and extracurricular activities.

۵. Improves mood
Pilates is a mindful practice based on the principle of breath in conjunction with movement. The ability to focus inward and breathe builds self-awareness and calms the nervous system.
Studies have shown that Pilates improves mental health, namely anxiety and depression.

۶. Improves memory
Studies show that exercise like Pilates increases blood flow to the brain, contributing to the development of new neurons responsible for thinking, memory, and learning.

۷. Decreases back pain
Pilates is known for targeting the core.

۸. Boosts immunity
9. Prevents injury
Pilates prepares your body for everyday activities that require strength and mobility.

The takeaway
A consistent and mindful exercise practice is essential to maintaining quality of life as you age.
Pilates, with all of its variety and modifications, is a low impact form of exercise suitable for older adults. Numerous Pilates programs are backed by the medical community, bone-safe, and geared toward the mature adult.