Stay Strong And Fit With Strength Training Equipment

By Terry Lane

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.

Did you know that the muscle fiber of a 20 year old looks similar to that of a 70 year old? S0 beginning a strength training routine later in life will net positive results. It's never too late to build muscle. Do it now and avoid frailty later in life. Muscle mass isn't the only loss age delivers. Loss of balance, flexibility, and stamina also decreases. Pilates exercise helps all ages and any level of fitness. It also helps the muscles surrounding joints too.

Pilates rehab often associated with physical therapists because it is helps strengthen the body's posture, flexibility and balance. In fact Pilates was first used as rehab therapy. Joseph Pilates, the creator of this exercise, was a nurse in the German army during World War One. It was there that he developed a method of strengthening the muscles of soldiers wounded in the war.

His first piece of equipment was developed using attached springs to patient's bed. Soldiers quickly began to heal quicker than soldiers who did nothing at all. Joe Pilates was an innovator and healer certainly ahead of this time. Today Pilates is now a mainstream exercise taught by certified teachers throughout the world. These teachers have used Pilates early teachings as well as added their own style to help clients that are in shape and those that are de-conditioned. Pilates exercises also helps arthritis sufferers keep their joints oiled up so that they have a greater range of motion.

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.

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. - 31994

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