6 minute read
Benefits of Reformer Pilates
Benefits of ReformerpilatesBY BROOKE BABER – DIPLOMA QUALIFIED PILATES INSTRUCTOR
As we get older, staying fit seems to get harder and harder. Your body just doesn’t seem to have as much get–up–and–go as it once did, and in–many cases, exercises that were no problem a decade or two ago could now feel too strenuous.
However, just because you may no longer be able run or jump like you use to, it doesn’t mean that you need to feel like you can’t get up and move. Even if you’re relatively healthy, a good workout can lift your spirits and leave you feeling better about the day.
Reformer Pilates is an excellent way to keep in shape at almost any age. In fact, there are many benefits to be had for those 55 and older that could make Reformer Pilates the perfect workout routine for those wanting to stay strong, flexible, and more independent with a good balance.
In case you’re wondering how Reformer Pilates differs from a regular Pilates routine, it has to do with the fact that you’ll be using a reformer machine rather than a mat. This saves you from having to get down on the ground, and it allows even people with otherwise limited mobility to partake in Reformer Pilates.
Here are my top 5 reasons why everyone over 55 needs Reformer Pilates in their life!
1. Maintain independence through balance and stability
Reformer Pilates can greatly help you in reclaiming some of the stability that you may have lost with age. It’s estimated that every 11 seconds an older adult is being treated in the ER for a fall related incident.
Pilates incorporate elements of balance, coordination, strength, stability and mobility in sitting, standing and lying positions, all of which are important movement skills to keep practicing as you age to prevent falls.
Practicing these exercises in a safe and structured environment can help you stay upright (whether you’re standing still or moving around), keep you in control (on moving or slippery surfaces like escalators or tiled flooring) and respond to unexpected external forces (like heavy doors).
A 2017 study* found that Pilates Reformer exercises practiced once a week for 10 weeks resulted in reduced fall risk and significant improvements in balance and mobility in adults over 65.
*https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/30368346/
2. Reduction in chronic pain
If you have chronic pain like arthritis or back pain, then it can be difficult to get yourself moving. While it’s tempting to just sit at home all day, this is a big mistake! Exercise can help you lessen chronic pain.
Stretching and strength–building exercises, much like the ones done in with Reformer Pilates, can help you to combat painful joint stiffness. Reformer Pilates is also a great way to restore some of the strength that we lose with ageing.
3. Flexible workout routines to fit everyone
While many exercises are simply too hard on the joints for some people to participate in, Reformer Pilates is very flexible.
A Reformer Pilates class will meet you wherever you are in that precise moment, and always provide variations and options for how your body responds. There is no need to push past your limits or worry what the person next to you is doing.
Reformer Pilates allows literally anyone, regardless of their current physical condition, to improve their body. You can, of course, try some more difficult moves if you’re up to it, but don’t ever feel like you have to do that.
4. Improved mental health and wellbeing
While exercise has many physical benefits, it can also improve your mental wellbeing. This is because experts believe that exercise releases a number of “happy hormones” in the body such as serotonin and endorphins. Serotonin is a hormone that helps regulate and boost our mood, while increases in our endorphin levels helps us stay relaxed. Making exercise a regular habit is an excellent way to improve brain health and to keep certain mental health conditions at bay that older adults often experience such as depression or anxiety.
5. Pelvic Health
The pelvic floor runs from the bottom of your pelvis and supports your pelvic organs. Think your bladder, bowel and uterus in women and bladder and bowel in men. Reformer Pilates exercises are designed in a way to stimulate your muscles to grow including the pelvic floor muscles. So by doing Reformer Pilates, you’re actually working on strengthening not just the core but also your pelvic floor muscles. And we know that incontinence is because of weak pelvic floor.
In closing, while it’s easy to be intimidated by a new type of workout, there’s no need to be afraid to take on new challenges. Reformer Pilates is a workout activity that doesn’t have to be scary just because you’re getting a little older.
Brooke Baber is a Diploma Qualified Pilates Instructor who owns Salt + Stone Studio in Wyong and Blacksmiths NSW. Brooke Baber is the owner of Salt + Stone Studio – Wyong. Catering to all levels of fitness, weight, experience, ability and disability. Brooke is a diploma qualified Pilates instructor and believes everyone deserves to feel safe and well in their bodies.
New Breast Health Service introduced at Tuggerah Lakes Private
Located in the northern end of the Central Coast, Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital, is the regions newest private health facility, delivering high quality surgical and medical services. Opening in 2019, the hospital has since expanded its options for Breast Cancer patients, in 2022, by introducing the leading Savi SCOUT® technology to its suite of services, improving the experience for patients who require surgery for removal of a breast tumour.
Savi SCOUT® provides wire–free radar localisation, with a tiny reflector device placed into the breast any time prior to the patient’s scheduled surgery. The surgeon then locates the device in the Operating Theatre by directing radiation–free signals at the reflector. Once located, the Surgeon can determine the best pathway to the tumour during surgery, so it can be removed while conserving the remaining breast tissue.
“Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital is committed to supporting the community through their cancer journey. To ensure we provide a holistic approach we are increasing the services available at the hospital from diagnosis through to treatment and surgery if required,” said Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital CEO, Jennifer McNamara.
“Having started in October, some of the Central Coast’s best Breast Surgeons are now consulting and operating out of the hospital including Dr Paul Chen, Dr Mary Ling and Dr Rita Poon. Medical Oncologist, Dr Mamta Bagia, and Radiation Oncologist, Professor John Boyages are also joining our team,” said Ms McNamara.
Dr Paul Chen, an expert Oncoplastic Surgeon who will be at the new clinic every second Thursday added “It’s exciting to see the multidisciplinary team providing an on–site service at the Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital.”
The addition of these clinicians means the hospital will now offer a comprehensive breast cancer service, with no need for patients to travel away from the northern Central Coast for their care.
“We are committed to ensuring accessible high quality healthcare to the community by investing in the latest, most innovative tools and technologies to optimise clinical outcomes for patients. Having these services now on the northern end of the Central Coast means local patients won’t need travel too far from home. This is the beginning of what we hope to be a comprehensive cancer service in years to come,” said Ms McNamara.
