Pilates Northwest loves the “Over-50” Crowd!

Due to advances in modern medicine, people are living longer. As a result, they commonly experience age-related issues such as loss of balance, decrease in flexibility, back and joint pain and osteoporosis. Whether you are young, senior, or just young at heart, practicing Pilates can help alleviate and improve these age-related conditions.

Pilates is a unique form of exercise that stimulates the mind and body together, emphasizing quality, intentional movement. By focusing on correct spinal, postural and pelvic alignment, people get stronger and more functional and move better. By using Pilates breathing and developing deep core strength and enhanced body awareness, Pilates helps folks look, feel and function better.

Benefits of Pilates for the older population

• Greater flexibility and range of motion
• More strength and muscle tone
• Improved postural alignment and joint function
• More mindful movement for injury reduction
• Stress reduction through breathing education
• Better coordination and balance

In a long-term study on the Positive Effects of Pilates on Aging, researchers from the School of Human Life Science, University of Tasmania in Australia, determined that Pilates exercise:

• Reduced risk of fall
• Improved posture and balance in seniors
• Improved movement patterns and function

Reducing falls and improving balance is so important for seniors considering falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions.

By making life changes, like practicing Pilates, seniors were able to improve their fall risk and remain self-sufficient longer. While Pilates can seem relatively easy to learn, it is important to work with a trained instructor who can guide you in the proper technique. This will reduce your risk of injury while providing a good foundation in the basic principles of Pilates.

At Pilates Northwest, we offer private and small group lessons using quality commercial Pilates equipment. We welcome everyone. We have extensive experience with:

• Back and neck pain
• Forward head posture
• Hip and knee replacements
• Osteoporosis
• Injury recovery
• Older folks including the senior population
• The aging athlete

We modify your program to fit your specific needs. All our instructors are fully certified, professional, and friendly. Come see the difference of having an experienced, certified instructor with advanced education can make.