Pilates: Building Strength & Balance
Hi everyone! I think one of the best things you can do for your body is to mix it up… walking, cardio and strength training are all important basics of any fitness routine, but layering in additional movements to help us stay fit, healthy and active as we age is important too! That’s why I love Pilates!
Pilates is about slow, controlled movements that focus on using your core, and a strong core has so many benefits for healthy aging! Now is the perfect time to give Pilates a try - you can do it right at home when you follow my Pilates moves in my new Fit Over 50: The Wellness Reset magazine! You don’t need any fancy equipment, and you WILL see and feel the results after just a few sessions!
Here’s why I recommend Pilates as part of a healthy aging plan - it:
Strengthens your core. Your core is more than just your abs, it's the muscles in your abdomen, back and pelvis, all of which help support your body in almost everything you do. Pilates engages these muscles as you move, building a stronger core that can help you feel more stable when you're walking, exercising and doing everyday activities. Keep your center strong, and it supports your whole body!
Improves balance and stability. Balance becomes so important as we get older… Pilates encourages you to move with control and awareness, which challenges the muscles that help keep you steady and stable.
Promotes better posture. With so much time sitting, looking at phones or on a computer, it's easy to feel stiff and rounded forward. Pilates puts attention on alignment, core control and moving your body with intention. As you become more aware of how you're holding yourself, you may find you are standing a little taller and carrying yourself with more confidence. And I think confidence is our best accessory - especially as we age!
Helps you slow down and connect with your body. Not every workout has to be fast and sweaty to be effective, which is why the mind-body connection of Pilates is so rewarding. Instead of rushing through, you really think about your muscles, your breathing and the quality of each movement. Pilates gives you a chance to tune out the distractions and focus on you.
Now that you know the benefits of Pilates, add it to your workout plan! A well-rounded routine gives your body different ways to get stronger, and Pilates will work on your core, promoting balance, stability and better posture and controlled movement.
The secret is to keep moving, keep challenging your body in different ways and keep finding activities that make you feel your best! And if you want to strengthen, stretch and reconnect with your body, get your copy of Fit Over 50: The Wellness Reset and turn to page 24 for my Pilates and yoga workouts! You can also join my Premium Membership for access to my full library of workouts, including Pilates, yoga and more.
Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!
Denise