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Strength training is a good idea when we are young and it’s a better idea as we age. Pilates exercises improves balance and flexibility and as we age this certainly benefits seniors. We lose 3-5% of our lean muscle mass for every decade after the age of 25. So the sooner you start strength training the better. Don’t believe you can’t gain strength as you age. You just need to work at keeping your muscle mass.

Muscle fiber if you look at it under a microscope for those who are over sixty looks similar to those in their twenties. So starting a strength training exercise routine can begin later in life. Increasing muscle now will help prevent frailty later in life. But aging has other problems that can be addressed with strength training. Aging brings on the loss of balance and flexibility. One’s stamina diminishes as well. Yet Pilates is an exercise that is appropriate for any age and for any fitness level. Pilates gentle exercises are also easy on the joints.

Because of this many physical therapists have adopted Pilates in their rehabilitation philosophy to help strengthen their client’s flexibility and posture along with working with them in their specific injury. Joseph Pilates who created this exercise discipline first did it as a nurse in the German army in World War One. He found that by using his exercises wounded soldiers where able to regain their strength.

He used springs fixed to patient’s beds thus the first Pilates equipment was created. Interestingly, the soldiers who were given the exercises using these springs healed and recovered faster than the soldiers who did nothing. Rehabilitation meant getting creative with what you had. Pilates develops flexibility in joints and helps to keep them “oiled up” by gently moving the joints through their ranges of motion. This is particularly important for arthritis sufferers. Keeping a full or near full range of motion in the joints is immensely important to all people, but to arthritis sufferers in particular.

Today Pilates equipment has come a long way from those days of springs attached to hospital beds. Now that once apparatus is called a reformer. With other Pilates equipment like Pilates rings and exercise mats along with instructional DVDs on a multitude of Pilates exercises, this exercise form has evolved into the mainstream. Along with exercise balls, and resistance bands one can achieve so much from implementing Pilates exercises into a fitness program.

Pilates rehabilitation practice by physical therapists see the exercises help their patients improve their muscle and joint strength after suffering an injury. Since Pilates exercises are gentle on joints it won’t over-stress the body any more. Seniors are especially vulnerable to injuries due to falls. Pilates is preventive medicine. Keeping the body strong today will help the body stay injury free tomorrow. And staying free from injuries allows a senior to become more active in sports related activities such as golf and tennis. What senior doesn’t want a more fulfilling lifestyle?

It is important to note that certified Pilates instructors are not medically qualified to make a diagnosis. It is best to seek out sound medical advise first. Pilates instructors need to work in conjunction with chiropractors, medical professionals and physical therapists in working up the best plan for a client. Pilates exercises is a total body workout that is suitable for all ages and abilities. Make it part of your fitness goals for long term health.

Resistance equipment keeps muscles strong. A resistance exercise band which comes in various resistance levels promotes strength and flexibility.