Pilates is perfect for all ages

People come to Pilates for all sorts of reasons. Some get introduced to it as part of a physical therapy program they’re doing to rehabilitate after an injury or surgery. Others know someone who has transformed their body using this exercise method and are looking for similar results.

And, particularly as we hit middle age and beyond, many of us are seeking an exercise program that can help with balance, flexibility, and posture, all issues that we suddenly find ourselves needing to focus on as we get older.

Regardless of how you discover the Pilates method, you will quickly see the advantages to your overall strength, core stability, and flexibility that it provides.

An all-in-one program

Pilates is a uniquely efficient form of exercise because each individual move has been carefully designed to incorporate improving range of motion and muscle strength, using breath to benefit mental health and elevate the workout, and boosting heart rate for cardiovascular benefits. A one hour Pilates class works to improve all of these areas of physical health and mental well-being.

To accomplish the similar results in the gym, here’s what your workout might look like:

• Use a cardio machine for a minimum of 20 minutes to get a sustained period of elevated heart rate.
• Engage in a thorough weight training session, making sure to incorporate all major muscle groups in your upper and lower body. Remind yourself to exhale as you lift and inhale as you lower the weight.
• Finish up with a full-body stretching session, during which you’ll need to focus on and regulate your breathing to deepen each stretch as well as help center yourself.

Fall in love with Pilates!

Have you been thinking about wanting to get in shape and look good in your summer clothes? Even better, do you want to feel more comfortable in your own body? You can reach those goals and more when you start Pilates, a full-body tone and fit program.

At Propel Pilates, we do recommend that you begin with private sessions in order to gain familiarity with the equipment, to get introduced to the various movements, and to learn the proper alignment associated with each. Once you’ve tackled the introductory sessions, you can feel free to join a class and benefit from the extra motivation and energy you get from being in a group.

Pilates is something you can do at 20 years of age and at 80. There aren’t many exercise programs you can say that about. Come try out a class, and you’ll see why so many people are falling in love with Pilates!