Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Pilates Power
Pilates Expectations – Movement equals Happiness .
‘Pilates is not just exercise it’s a lifestyle that changes the world’
Brent Anderson, founder of Polestar Pilates
There is so much written and talked about Pilates and why we should do it for all sorts of different reasons. We want to understand it as an activity that you simply attend and we often see it defined as a core based type of exercise combined with flexibility. Thankfully Pilates is so much more than that.
Having been a Pilates Teacher for over 16 years I have seen the method grow in popularity and throughly enjoyed seeing people begin and develop their own personal journey with Pilates. Pilates is not defined by any type of person who attends, we see people who have injuries, back pain, neurological issues, muscle in-balances and low muscle tone, posture issues, the list goes on and on. Many Pilates beginners would just like to be stronger and fitter for ‘life’. One of the areas we concentrate on as Pilates Professionals ( that you will also hear in other wellness support sectors) is Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and Pilates. The Advantages of Pilates for Addressing Back Pain Issues : Pilates can both alleviate existing back problems and prevent future ones by straightening the spine and improving posture.
Osteoporosis is when your bone density is reduced. Which increases a risk of developing fractures (breaks in your bone). Studies have shown that 40 % of post-menopausal women suffering from osteoporosis will develop a fracture at some stage in their lifetime.
Those who suffer from osteoporosis can be at a greater risk for osteoporotic spinal fractures. Fractures can occur very easily, from falling over or just by bending down to pick up something from the ground. The prevalence of spinal vertebral body osteoporotic fractures in post-menopausal women varies between:
• 20% in women aged 50-59 years and
• 82% in women over 80 years.
If you have a history of a vertebral fracture you are also at a higher risk of developing a hip and wrist fracture. Exercise and Pilates can help you prevent and manage osteoporosis and fractures associated with the disease.
Being inactive for prolonged periods of time can contribute to osteoporosis due to the of activity. To strengthen the bones they need ‘load’ or ‘weight bearing’ exercises. This does not mean having to do heavy work in the gym, moderate activity is perfectly adequate and moving the muscles with the right exercises in turn strengthens the bones. By doing Pilates you will also increase balance, strength and mobility and ultimately improve your quality of life. Evidence has shown that the correct Pilates exercises help to stimulate bone growth and preserve bone mass.
If you need any further information just get in touch. Contact me for more information. See directions here.
