As we age, it gets ever more challenging to maintain strength, agility, and flexibility. This is especially the case for women.
So many classes at gyms and fitness centers are geared toward younger bodies and don’t address the challenges aging women face.
Fortunately, the Pilates reformer is ideal for women 50+ who are looking for a safe and effective way to feel good and stay in shape.
The Importance of Strength Training After 50
One of the biggest reasons women struggle after 50 is menopause. The hormonal changes it brings wreak havoc on women’s bodies.
It’s during this time that the risk of osteoporosis greatly increases. Strength training helps to stimulate bone growth and maintain bone density. Seemingly simple exercises performed on the reformer strengthen the lower body while improving bone density.
Another reason strength training is vital is to increase core strength and stability. This will improve overall balance and coordination, which are extremely important when it comes to avoiding falls. These also translate to better balance throughout all activities, including walking, standing, and just moving about the world.
Women are also subject to a condition known as sarcopenia as they age. This simply means loss of muscle mass. Strength training is crucial to combating this condition so women can maintain their regular everyday lifestyle and feel strong and capable.
Finally, joint stiffness is quite common with age (for both men and women!). Pain can make simple movements more difficult and discourage older adults from wanting to exercise. So strength training for older people should be combined with flexibility exercises to help maintain joint health and range of motion.
Why the Pilates Reformer Is Ideal for Women 50+
The Pilates reformer addresses all of the above issues, but in a way that caters to both younger and older adults. It is especially good for older women because it provides the following:
1. Low-Impact Workouts
Reformer Pilates is an amazing way to build strength through low-impact movements that are gentle on the joints. The reformer uses springs for resistance, which allow for smooth and controlled movements that strengthen the body without straining it. For example, “Footwork” exercises are ideal for strengthening the legs without worrying about joint discomfort.
2. Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion
The adjustable springs on the reformer combine with various positions in Pilates to allow for a wide range of motion. This, in turn, enhances flexibility. One of the common exercises a skilled Pilates instructor might teach for this would be “The ‘Elephant”, which engages the core while stretching the hamstrings for better strength and flexibility.
3. Improved Stability
Understanding that everything originates at the core, Pilates focuses on exercises and movements that focus on this central part of the body. A strong core not only supports your body and improves function, but it’s also critical for overall stability and posture. Exercises like the “Reverse Abdominal Curls” on the Reformer do exactly that.
4. A Full-Body Workout
While it may seem that reformer Pilates is only focused on one area of the body, it’s not. It’s actually a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups. For instance, exercises such as “lunges using the box” target the core, back (part of which is considered the core), and legs to provide a full-body workout.
Are You Troubled by the Challenges of Aging?
Aging is not for the faint of heart. And for menopausal and post-menopausal women, this can feel especially true.
So if you’re looking for a great way to strengthen, tone, and stretch your body without distressing your joints, contact us today.
Our experienced teachers and physical therapists will show you firsthand why the Pilates reformer is ideal for women 50+. You’ll be so glad you did.