How you feel doesn’t have to be determined by your biological age, you can look and feel younger by simply making a commitment to optimal, lifelong physical health. For you, this could mean opting for nutritious meals, getting outdoors more, curbing unhealthy habits and incorporating exercise into your lifestyle. One form of low impact exercise that delivers a vast range of benefits is Clinical Pilates.
Clinical Pilates differs from the traditional method in that it is more controlled and specific. It involves a qualified physiotherapist developing a tailored program to your individual needs with a focus on flexibility, posture, toning, strength and energy. It doesn’t matter what your age, anyone can try Clinical Pilates and achieve great results.
Here are five benefits of Clinical Pilates which can make you look and feel younger.
1. Increased mobility
Under the guidance of a physiotherapist and using a combination of specialised Pilates equipment as well as floor-based exercises, Clinical Pilates will increase your flexibility and strength. Consistent strength training can help in the prevention of pain associated with arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, back pain and depression symptoms. An increase in mobility will also assist in maintaining a healthy metabolism, muscle tone, bone density and blood sugar levels, all of which will help you live each day at your optimum.
2. Reduced pain
The tailored approach to Clinical Pilates means our qualified physiotherapists can target existing aches and pains as well as help you in preventing future injuries. I urge you not to accept chronic aches, pains, stiffness and loss of mobility as part of the normal ageing process. Rather you can take action against these preventable symptoms. Pilates can certainly contribute to living comfortably in our later years and allows you to enjoy an active lifestyle without the fear of pain re-occurring.
3. Improved Balance, Posture and Coordination
Clinical Pilates will help you achieve strong core stability, which will lead to good posture and enhanced balance. As well as looking and feeling better, this will also develop your ability to respond to a loss of balance and therefore decreasing the likelihood of falls and resulting injuries. Balance is something you lose over time, but you can take control of your body’s equilibrium through balance training. Knowing you can rely on your core stability will give you greater confidence in leading a dynamic lifestyle.
4. Weight management
Maintaining a healthy weight will allow you to do the activities you want to do, and make you look and feel younger than your biological age. Excess weight will undoubtedly put stress on weakened muscles and bones, and can even contribute to problems associated with osteoporosis and arthritis. Weight management is best approached with eating more nutritious meals and incorporating exercise into your day. Your physiotherapist can tailor a Clinical Pilates program to work on muscle tone and strengthening using controlled movements and spring-resistant equipment. You may like to combine Clinical Pilates with other forms of exercise such as walking and aquatic physiotherapy for your weekly exercise program.
5. Decreased stress
In addition to the noticeable physiological benefits, Clinical Pilates can also aid in relaxation, enhanced concentration and decreased stress. This can be partly contributed to the breathing techniques associates with Pilates, which your physiotherapist will guide you through. Most clients also experience a natural lift in their mood due to the release of endorphins following a Pilates session.
So to keep feeling and looking younger, consider getting involved in pilates. It’s a great way to stay healthy and meet new people!
Have you tried pilates? Do you enjoy it? Tell us why in the comments below…
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.