"Pilates: Why Pilates?"

I am a regular, ordinary person who loves life and wants to be the best I can be at whatever my age. I know that if you are sick your focus is on getting well. But, if you are well and vital you can choose anything in the world you want-and work towards it. You can have fun and enjoy your life.

So, I love exercise and see the value of it. In days gone by, I have been certified in many fitness programs like AFAA, Water Aerobics, Rthymic Aerobics, AFAA's Senior Fitness and Reboundology, etc. I have not been certified in Pilates, but, wish I had taken the time to as it is a phenomenal program.

One of the benefits I see in Pilates is that I can continue doing it even though I am now in my 60's, whereas some of the other forms of exercise, such as high level aerobics, hard running, etc. are not too good for older joints.
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Be the best you can be at any age. PIlates gives a wonderful full-body workout for Baby Boomers and Seniors without all the wear and tear on the body. This is the best combination of exercise.

So, Pilates is a very helpful tool for Baby Boomers and seniors. The reason is it improves general fitness, mobility and confidence. It is also known to slow down aging, which is music to our ears when we are getting older.

There's another important fact why Pilates helps us when we are older, and that is it helps reduce falls for people age 60 and over.

That is extremely helpful, as falling is the most common cause of injury in this age bracket. And falling leads to hospital stays, broken bones, increasing our bills, and last but definitely not least, loss of independence. (actually it can also lead to death)

Pilates anyone?

Many people swear by Pilates exercise.

It was invented by Joseph Pilates. When he was young he was sickly, this exercise changed his life It not only changed his health, but gave him his life's work in changing millions of other lives.

At the time he invented Pilates he was a nurse, and he used his Pilates exercise to rehab soldiers back to health. It is a combination of Yoga, breathing and stretching, he utilized pulleys and special equipment that he also designed, and Pilates mat work. It is used to strengthen, improve flexibility and create a more balanced body.

Many dancers, acrobats and circus performers were sent to Joseph Pilates for conditioning by means of his unique form of exercise. By doing Pilates body with motion, they quickly learned that their body would excel in moving them through life and its work.

Joseph Pilates believed completely that the mind and body are dependant upon one another. So, when he created Pilates he designed it to fully engage the body and the mind. It is body-mind control. He did not call it Pilates, his name for his program was Contrology.

The benefits of Pilates are many. Besides improving the fitness of Baby Boomers and seniors, here are a few more to consider:

Improved Fitness

Improves health and fitness during pregnancy

Improves Health and Fitness of Children

Better Posture and alignment

Helps the body to heal

Helps with Rehabilitation

Relieves and reduces stress

Improves your sports conditioning

Improves your dance coordination and ability, and more

The movements are done either on floor mats or on a special Pilate's type machine that help support and guide the body, and involves these six core concepts:
1. Concentration
2. Breathing
3. Control
4. Precision
5. Rhythm/flow
6. Centering*

*The preceding is From Healthy Choice Naturals
Consider Pilates as one of your activities of choice.

Consider Pilates as one of your activities of choice.

Exercise has so many health benefits, be sure to include some of your favorites in your healthy lifestyle, whether it is Pilates or something else.

You and your loved ones are worth the time and effort.