Stay Free Of Injuries With Strength Training Products

By Terry Lane

Strength training is a good idea when we are young and it's a better idea as we age. Pilates exercises improves balance and flexibility and as we age this certainly benefits seniors. We lose 3-5% of our lean muscle mass for every decade after the age of 25. So the sooner you start strength training the better. Don't believe you can't gain strength as you age. You just need to work at keeping your muscle mass.

Studies have shown that the muscle fiber of those in their seventies are similar to those in their twenties. So there is hope to those frail seniors who are and have been for many years out of shape. Building up a senior's muscle mass helps cut down of injuries due to falls. Aging effects a person's balance and flexibility. Stamina wanes. And the muscles surrounding joints become stiff. Pilates is a gentle form of exercise that helps those of any age gain strength in the joint areas as well as throughout the entire body.

Because of this many physical therapists have adopted Pilates in their rehabilitation philosophy to help strengthen their client's flexibility and posture along with working with them in their specific injury. Joseph Pilates who created this exercise discipline first did it as a nurse in the German army in World War One. He found that by using his exercises wounded soldiers where able to regain their strength.

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.

Pilates equipment has evolved since Joe first attached springs to hospital beds. Equipment such as the Cadillac, Chair and Reformer are mainstays in Pilates studios. Now you can buy in online fitness stores smaller related equipment like the Pilates ring, mats and instruction DVDs. Pilates makes a great addition to any fitness program. It may be the best core conditioning exercise anyone can do. Resistance bands are another type of fitness equipment that is used in Pilates studios. These inexpensive and versatile tools come in various resistance and are a great alternative to heavy weights.

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.

It is important to note that certified Pilates instructors are not medically qualified to make a diagnosis. It is best to seek out sound medical advise first. Pilates instructors need to work in conjunction with chiropractors, medical professionals and physical therapists in working up the best plan for a client. Pilates exercises is a total body workout that is suitable for all ages and abilities. Make it part of your fitness goals for long term health. - 30514

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