Aging and Geriatric Issues

Pilates is a series of low-impact movements used to strengthen the core and balance of the practitioner, both of which are critical for seniors. But the physical gains are only a side bonus to the mental benefits of consistently practicing Pilates. If you are looking for a low-impact exercise for the elderly that strengthens, lengthens, and leaves you feeling confident, give Pilates a try. Introduction to Pilates The Pilates Method was created by Joseph Pilates, a German-born immigrant to the United States. After Pilates left Germany, he taught Scotland Yard self-defense tactics before being interred in a camp during World War I. During the internment, Pilates kept himself strong, lean, and healthy with a series of movements that he performed on the floor or on modified beds. These would later become the skeletons for Pilates apparatuses. Pilates taught others in the internment camp his method and when influenza swept through England, none of Pilates “students” died of the virus. Pilates realized that his method went beyond just physical fitness, but wellness. After the war, Pilates returned to Germany briefly and then immigrated to the U.S. His method became popular with dancers and athletes due to its ability to help heal injuries while keeping them at their peak. Others began to train under Pilates and eventually branched out to teach in other areas besides Pilates’ New York studio. Although Pilates passed away in the 1960s, his work lives on. The exercise known as Pilates has gained incredible popularity over the last 50 years. It consists of two types of Pilates: work done on a mat on the floor, and work done using a Pilates machine such as the Reformer or the Chair. There are many different forms of Pilates as more teachers have added their own technique to the method. Some [...]