“If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at the age of 60 you are supple and strong then you are young.”
Joseph Pilates (1880-1967)
By now most of us have heard about Pilates. Practiced by more than 12 million people, it is a mind body exercise method and from its coverage in the press we read how many celebrities are benefiting from it. Last year, Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, was in the limelight because of her toned Pilates body. Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, even Martin Amis and John Cleese – they all recommend it.
In fact, Pilates has many wonderful results for adults of all ages and backgrounds.
Pilates builds your body’s core strength, improves flexibility, balance and stamina through a series of low impact conditioning and stretching exercises. Physiotherapists, osteopaths and doctors are now recommending the holistic approach of Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise today.
As all movements are controlled and low impact there is very little stress placed on the body. It is therefore especially applicable to older people who may be experiencing a loss of mobility and wish to improve their posture, balance, strength and stamina.
Pilates specialist, Liz Chandler, has made an exercise video especially for older people. Real People Pilates for over 50s DVD was created to inspire and cater specifically to people over 50.
“Many of my older clients could not find anything in the market that catered specifically to their age group,” explained Liz.
Real People Pilates for over 50s is not about glamour and the super fit. It’s about healthy, safe, functional and effective exercise in a friendly format. Exercises are demonstrated by real people aged from 60 to 70+ who have different body types and who, most importantly, have all benefited from Pilates.
To ensure that the exercise selection was safe and appropriate there was an ongoing consultation with a chartered physiotherapist and registered osteopath throughout the production process.
The DVD includes an introduction to the basic Pilates principles, a mat work section and a standing work section that includes important weight bearing exercises.
Pilates has been shown to benefit people who have a range of conditions often found in the older population such as arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, pelvic floor issues, declining mobility and loss of balance. Maura Gillespie of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) says:
“It is vital that we keep moving as we age. Although people should take responsibility for their own health, it is also important that they have the help and resources in their area to help them keep fit.”
People who take regular physical activity have twice the protection against coronary disease as those who are inactive. BHF encourages over 50s to keep active by getting 30 minutes of moderate activity every day.
Pilates principles and fundamentals carry over into everyday life and other sporting activities, and they will improve your quality of movement and wellbeing. It’s never too late to start, and Pilates is suitable for everyone from teens to those in their nineties, from couch potatoes to elite athletes. However, you should always seek professional medical advice before undertaking any new exercise programme.
50CONNECT READER OFFER: 25% off retail price –
Real People Pilates for over 50s DVD available for only £10 (includes free postage & packing) to readers.
Just send your name and address, and discount code: ’50 connect’ with a cheque payable to Liz Chandler Ltd at 15 Lansdown Place, Frome, BA11 3HP
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
Amazing write-up!
your article is so convincing that I can’t stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up.