How many seniors would think that strength training is more important now than when they were in their 20’s? If they haven’t yet figured it out, they should. Every decade past the age of 25 men and women begin to lose muscle mass. With osteoporosis knocking on the aging population one would think to take a closer look at what are the ways to combat this affliction. It’s never to late in life to start a strength training program. Many senior centers have personal trainers to help those who have neglected their bodies.

Muscle fiber if you look at it under a microscope for those who are over sixty looks similar to those in their twenties. So starting a strength training exercise routine can begin later in life. Increasing muscle now will help prevent frailty later in life. But aging has other problems that can be addressed with strength training. Aging brings on the loss of balance and flexibility. One’s stamina diminishes as well. Yet Pilates is an exercise that is appropriate for any age and for any fitness level. Pilates gentle exercises are also easy on the joints.

Physical therapists have used Pilates as a rehabilitation tool. They have quickly learned the benefits of Pilates exercises helps the body recover from injury. In fact Pilates exercises were first created during World War One by the man the exercise is named after - Joseph Pilates. He first used his exercises on injured soldiers. Those wounded soldiers that worked with him regained their strength faster. Pilates was a German nurse and had access to these soldiers and through his creativity developed a series of exercises that are still used to this day.

He used springs fixed to patient’s beds thus the first Pilates equipment was created. Interestingly, the soldiers who were given the exercises using these springs healed and recovered faster than the soldiers who did nothing. Rehabilitation meant getting creative with what you had. Pilates develops flexibility in joints and helps to keep them “oiled up” by gently moving the joints through their ranges of motion. This is particularly important for arthritis sufferers. Keeping a full or near full range of motion in the joints is immensely important to all people, but to arthritis sufferers in particular.

Today Pilates equipment has come a long way from those days of springs attached to hospital beds. Now that once apparatus is called a reformer. With other Pilates equipment like Pilates rings and exercise mats along with instructional DVDs on a multitude of Pilates exercises, this exercise form has evolved into the mainstream. Along with exercise balls, and resistance bands one can achieve so much from implementing Pilates exercises into a fitness program.

Rehabbing with Pilates exercises helps weaker muscles get stronger. Pilates strengthens all those smaller muscle groups that support joints. All this helps the body stay strong and works more like preventive medicine. No one wants to suffer through injury. Remaining free form injury especially for seniors is crucial to having a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Overall Pilates exercises help you get a total body workout. But before you begin your workouts check with your personal physician. Pilates teachers are not medical professionals. They work in conjunction with medical personal in helping those of any age. If long term health is important to you than look for a Pilates studio in your area. Today senior fitness centers have introduced classes. Many YMCAs have done the same. Or just look for a certified Pilates instructor to work one on one for private sessions. Your only as old as you feel, so why settle for pains and aches of muscle fatigue. Keep strength training part of your fitness goals.

This incredible exercise ball makes a great weight resistance tool for all ages and abilities. Make fitness part of aging. Seniors who make weight training part of their lives enjoy stronger muscles and strength.

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