Pilates for seniors: benefits of the method for the elderly

Why is Pilates a good workout for multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions?

We already know that Pilates offers several benefits for the health of our body and mind, but in today’s post we’ll talk especially about how the method can be applied in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, high blood pressure and other chronic diseases.

Follow the reading!

Pilates and multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological and autoimmune disease that causes brain and spinal cord injuries. The most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are intense fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, lack of balance and motor coordination, but the symptoms depend a lot on the affected region.

Although the disease has no cure, drug treatments are quite effective in reducing symptoms, also the physiotherapy and Pilates sessions, which are showing excellent results nowadays.

Therefore, the Pilates method can and should be adopted by people who suffer from the disease, because during Pilates classes, the muscle groups dynamically work on balance, muscle strength and endurance, motor coordination, breathing and relaxation.

However, it’s worth saying that it’s necessary to have the assistance of a qualified Pilates professional, who will be evaluating the practitioner in order to prepare a lesson plan with a correct rhythm and type of exercises.

Pilates and cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy has several causes and risk factors, but it’s important to know that Pilates is the best treatment to minimize the consequences of the disease, as it uses techniques to reduce muscle hypertonia, increase movement capacity, muscle strength and motor coordination, significantly improving the practitioner’s quality of life.

For a better understanding, Pilates has as its basic principles: concentration, control of the center, breathing, control, fluidity and precision. So, the method works the body as a whole, not just the affected region, and Pilates also stimulates the patient’s socialization.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks, which are two major causes of death worldwide, so we can realize the importance of adopting a healthier and lighter lifestyle to improve heart health.

Pilates can be considered one of the best allies for those who have high blood pressure, because the method exercises promote increased blood flow in the vessels, while reducing myocardial strain and cardiac stress. Also, most Pilates exercises are performed in reclining or lying positions, so the practitioner can perform the movements without creating an excessive effort on the heart.

The Pilates method works with few repetitions, which doesn’t require physical wear or raising the heart rate. As another Pilates benefit, through the concentration worked during the session, the practitioner can achieve relief and relaxation, besides developing greater mobility, balance and muscle strength, reducing stress levels and improving blood circulation.

In conclusion, it’s worth saying that people with high blood pressure need to have medical authorization to practice the Pilates method, so it’s possible to avoid any risks or complications during the exercises.

Come visit us and start your Reformer Pilates classes at the Kore Gallery!

Can Reformer Pilates reduce your waistline?

Nowadays, many women are looking for physical activities that help reduce their waistline and achieve a perfect body. Although it seems difficult, there are specific exercises that shape this region of the body, such as Reformer Pilates.

That’s because the method works the deep muscles of the body, such as the abdomen and other muscles at the same time, which is a great ally for those who want to reduce the waist. Continue reading our post below!

Can Reformer Pilares reduce your waistline?

Before we find out how it’s possible to thin the waist with Reformer Pilates, it’s necessary to understand how all the musculature in this region works.

One of the main goals of the Pilates method is the activation of the Powerhouse (force center) to promote spinal stability during the exercises. And the Powerhouse includes the transverse muscles of the abdomen, diaphragm, pelvic floor and multifidus.

During Reformer Pilates classes, clients need to contract the abdomen at the time of greatest effort. The action allows you to better shape and define the abdominal region and the waist, promoting an improvement in muscle definition in these regions. And that’s why many people turn to the method to reduce the waist line, but it’s worth saying that just Pilates can’t work any miracles!

How to reduce your waist line?

To lose fat and considerably reduce your waist line you need a balanced diet and perform combined physical activities, besides speeding up your metabolism. After all, you need to find balance, eating less than you exercise so that you don’t accumulate fat, especially localized fat.

However, Reformer Pilates is an efficient activity in reducing the waist, that’s because throughout the Pilates session, studies show that the practitioner has a higher energy expenditure, as the exercises demand a higher physical effort.

For example, Pilates exercises that have sit-ups, boards or adaptations with movements of the lower and upper limbs are the best for reducing the waist, as they require great physical effort and breakdown the fat molecules.

There is no doubt: the Reformer Pilates can contribute to reducing the waist. But we always recommend that the client needs to have a healthy diet, not ingesting more than your caloric expenditure.

Also, it’s important to have a qualified and experienced Pilates professional to create a specific exercise plan, so you can achieve your goal naturally and as healthy as possible.

Benefits of Reformer Pilates

1- Reformer Pilates exercises are different from other physical activities as they work the body as a whole.

2- Reformer Pilates slims, tones and shapes the body, also improves your posture.

3- The Reformer Pilates can be practiced by any group of people, from athletes to sedentary people, who have never performed any type of activity before.

4- After your first Reformer Pilates classes, it’s already possible to notice the first benefits in your body movements and posture improvement.

5- Promotes strength gain, increases flexibility and reduces the risk of injury.

6- Decreases stress, promotes relaxation and increases self-esteem.

These are just some of the benefits that Reformer Pilates can provide for your body.

Come to our Reformer Pilates Studio and have a better quality of life to improve the performance of your daily activities and achieve the greatest balance between your mind and body.

reformer pilates

Reformer Pilates: Top 10 benefits for your body and mind

We all know that the practice of physical activity is not only good for our body, but also our mind, and with the reformer pilates it would be no different!

The benefits of the reformer pilates are numerous. After all, the reformer pilates exercises are indicated for different purposes, such as to strengthen the muscles, gain more flexibility and improve your health as a whole, relieving the tension and stress of everyday life.

No doubt, the reformer pilates stimulates your concentration for a smooth movement, and it helps you feel more in tune with your body. Follow below the top 10 benefits that the reformer pilates provides:

1.Muscle Strengthening

As simple as pilates exercises may seem, each movement performed requires a lot of the body’s muscles, even though they are low impact movements. Therefore, the reformer pilates guarantees the gradual strengthening of the body musculature.

2.Physical Strength

As the reformer pilates exercises work multiple muscle groups at the same time, the practitioner acquires more and more resistance over time.

3.Flexibility

Flexibility is a highly developed point during reformer pilates exercises. That’s because stretching is one of the first exercises that you will practically perform in class. As you practice reformer pilates, you may find that your flexibility will be optimized, especially the back of the body, which helps to improve posture and reduce pain and joint problems.

4.Posture Correction

One of the biggest searches for the pilates reformer is by people who have some type of postural problem. That’s because Pilates works with stretching and muscle strengthening, so the practitioner performs these movements keeping the spine erect, which enables postural correction throughout the sessions.

When practicing the reformer pilates, you become more aware of your posture, how to position yourself or sit, for example, as well as how to perform everyday activities correctly.

5.Reducing stress and anxiety

Reformer pilates exercises help control the mind, because the practitioner manages to maintain a body and mental balance, which brings tranquility and a sense of well-being, combating everyday anxiety and stress.

Besides, since the exercises work force, balance, postural alignment, the body releases endorphins, helping you to relax. We can say that it’s one of the greatest benefits of the pilates reformer!

6.Improve concentration and focus

Reformer pilates exercises require a greater focus from the practitioner on the movements being performed. For that reason, concentration is one of the six basic principles of the method. Result: whoever practices reformer pilates ends up improving their ability to improve their focus and concentration on other activities, such as at work, for example.

7.Body awareness and Self-esteem

You can only master your body through mastering your mind. Therefore, when practicing the reformer pilates, the practitioner is led to observe their movements and understand their limitations, noticing their evolution and, consequently, raising their self-esteem by overcoming the exercises.

8.Breathe Correctly

During reformer pilates classes, breathing techniques are improved. As a result, it’s possible to better stabilize the spine, which contributes to a correct posture, besides reducing muscle pain and improving performance during daily activities. Due to the fact your immune system is strengthened, fighting diseases, migraines and eliminating toxins, providing greater well-being and disposition.

9.More balance and motor coordination

The reformer pilates works small, deep muscles, which are needed to keep the body, especially the spine, ready for walking and hard activities. The movements of the reformer pilates improve your physical conditioning to carry out activities with more balance and motor coordination.

10.No impact on joints

The reformer pilates exercises don’t impact the musculature, in other words, the exercises don’t put any stress on the joints and don’t generate wear on your ligaments and cartilages around your joints.

As proof of this, the reformer pilates can be practiced every day, as it doesn’t overload muscles and joints. Therefore, pilates is a form of low-impact exercise, thus being one of the greatest benefits of Pilates too.

Come visit us and start your Reformer Pilates classes at the Kore Gallery to improve your quality of life!

reformer pilates

Does Pilates Reformer change your body?

When starting any physical activity, one of the main questions that arise among practitioners is in how long it will be possible to observe the first changes in the body. Pilates is no different!

Usually, the results of reformer pilates exercises begin to show after a short time of practice, but this period needed to feel the change will depend on some factors, mainly exercise frequency, regularity and a healthy eating.

It means that: YES, reformer pilates changes your body! But it’s worth remembering that it is always necessary to have discipline, focus and willingness to change some habits and achieve the expected results.

How does the reformer pilates change your body?

The reformer pilates is an exercise that features strength-based training. Therefore, it is an excellent option to lose weight, as it speeds up the metabolism, resulting in weight loss and an increase in muscle mass.

With this gain in muscle mass, your body will become more and more defined. That’s why the method started to be used to control weight and shape the body. The reformer pilates also reduce flabby and helps create a stronger and more toned body.

Besides, reformer pilates exercises help to correct posture, increasing the elasticity, strength and mobility of the body and relieving everyday stress.

How soon can I see pilates results?

Joseph Pilates, the creator of the techniques of this modality, already said:

“In 10 sessions you will feel a difference. In 20, you will see a difference. And in 30, you will have a whole new body”.

Then, in just a few weeks you will start seeing and feel the first results of the reformer pilates. However, it’s important to keep a regular training for faster results.

So be committed to schedules and don’t make excuses for missing sessions. Remember that by stopping the reformer pilates exercises, the body loses muscle mass quickly, which slows down reaching the perfect body.

We also recommend performing other aerobic activities to complement the reformer pilates classes and boost your results. Walking, jogging or cycling are some options that will keep your muscles always active.

Don’t have any more doubts! More than improving your overall health, the reformer pilates ensures a more toned and shaped body, because fat is completely exchanged for lean body mass. Certainly, during the first month the results will be visible for you and everyone around you!

Through the practice of this modality, we raise our self-esteem and feel much more alive, as we are exercising our body and soul as well. After all, we know how valuable it is to be happy with life and with ourselves.

Come to our Reformer Pilates Studio and have a better quality of life to improve the performance of your daily activities and achieve the greatest balance between your mind and body. Our reformer pilates classes are always motivating and dynamic!

Can you lose weight doing Reformer Pilates?

One of the most asked questions by clients who started the method is whether the Reformer Pilates class loses weight.

Does Pilates really help with weight loss? That’s what we’ll find out in this article. After all, some instructors end up being insecure about this question and even doubts arise when it comes to answering whether this activity will help in their goal of losing weight.

Ready for reading? Come on!

Does Pilates Reformer Lose Weight?

YES! Reformer Pilates is a physical activity that helps with weight loss, however, it is not the main goal of the method. Reformer Pilates was created to assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of several pathologies, because it’s a type of physical exercise that includes the body as a whole.

The exercises on the Reformer Pilates aim to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, stabilize the joints and re-educate movement, providing a balance of capacities and increasing the body flexibility.

And how it can help you lose weight? Well, the method works muscles, bones and joints intensely, which stimulates the metabolism and the balance of the entire performance of your body, which is a great ally when losing weight. In addition, Pilates movements in the Reformer increase energy expenditure.

For example, when you are working hard to improve and maintain the Core strength, your body begins to burn calories naturally, especially abdominal. It is here that Reformer Pilates contributes for your body transformation and weight loss.

Depending on the consistency and frequency of the training, after a month of classes, the practitioner starts to notice some results, such as a healthier and more toned body, remembering that muscle definition will help to reduce body measurements, whether in arms, legs or abdomen.

But it is worth saying that it is not enough just to attend some Reformer Pilates classes to lose weight. A Reformer Pilates class will help you lose weight, but only when you combine the method with a healthy lifestyle that includes changing your eating habits.

Therefore, if your main goal in Pilates is fast and prolonged weight loss, you need to have a healthy and balanced diet and, if you can, do another physical activity with high caloric expenditure to complement Pilates.

Here, at the Kore Gallery, you have instructors prepared to create a personalized training and teach Pilates on the Reformer for this purpose (weight and fat loss). Thus, you will perform aerobic exercises in a more dynamic way, with more repetitions, evolving from one movement to another without interruptions.

Our classes are motivating, and we guarantee a work with dedication. Now you can lose weight and still improve your mood and self-esteem, because it’s proven that doing Reformer Pilates releases endorphins that are neuro-hormones responsible for the sensation of pleasure and well-being.

Come to our Reformer Pilates studio and have a better quality of life to improve the performance of your daily activities and achieve the greatest balance between your mind and body.

Why is Reformer Pilates good for you?

Pilates is a method of exercise that aims to control and strengthen your body’s muscles, promoting joint mobility, flexibility, movement re-education, body awareness and better posture.

In today’s article, you will understand what the Reformer Pilates is and why the machine is so important for the performance of your exercises and for maximizing your results.

Enjoy your reading!

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is a workout done using the Pilates Reformer machine and is generally more intense and more dynamic than mat based Pilates.

Although it seems a simple device, the Reformer has a complete structure formed by springs, handles and a slider, which help the client during Pilates classes. The Reformer Pilates is basically a workout using spring resistance!

With the Reformer, more than 100 activities can be performed, such as exercise sitting, kneeling, supported, lying on the front or back, which can both facilitate movements for people with physical limitations and hinder movements, taking the client to more advanced levels.

The Pilates Reformer’s purpose is to help improve the rigid spine through exercises for the thighs, abdomen, hips and chest.

Why is Reformer Pilates good for you?

The Pilates Reformer provides both general and specific benefits for each part of your body, improving strength, flexibility, mobility, coordination and balance for those using the device during the class.

Besides, exercises on the Pilates Reformer ensure you are in better physical condition so you can perform your daily tasks with better health and well-being.

For example, the resistance created by the Reformer’s springs allows for gentle contraction exercises that develop your muscles without aggression. So, you can also perform movements with greater range and get stronger and healthier bones.

If on the one hand the Reformer springs help to work your resistance, on the other, the instability generated by the movement of the cart promotes better stability, which helps in the development of muscle strength and balance.

Now, when we talk about strength building exercises on Pilates Reformer, the focus is the Power House, which consists of the set of muscles located in the abdomen region that are responsible for stabilizing the entire spine. By strengthening the abdomen, the muscle imbalances are lessened, and consequently, you will have a stronger and more balanced back, toned glutes and thighs.

In short, practicing Reformer Pilates provides you several benefits, such as:

  • Strength increase;
  • Flexibility gain;
  • Rehabilitation of some pathologies;
  • Improved resistance;
  • Improved respiratory system;
  • Helps you to be in good physical shape;
  • Ensures greater body stability;
  • Relax your body and mind;
  • Corrects posture;
  • It works directly with Power House.

By working on breathing and concentration, Reformer Pilates also reduces stress levels, which will make you feel good and increase your energy levels to enjoy your life and feel good about yourself.

But remember, to achieve the benefits of Reformer Pilates, it is necessary that the exercises are performed with the help of a qualified instructor to make sure that every movement is being done correctly.

Come visit us and start your Reformer Pilates classes at the Kore Gallery to improve your quality of life!