If you haven’t read PART 1: Why Resistance Training is Important for Women in Their 40s, you can find it HERE.
We already established in PART 1 why resistance training is vital for women in their 40s. We briefly touched on how Pilates can serve as a form of resistance training but let’s dive deeper into how Pilates, as a form of resistance training, is ideal for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Pilates is a popular form of exercise that has gained attention over the years for improving strength, flexibility, and balance. Often people associate Pilates with dancers and celebrities, but thousands of ordinary everyday people have been reaping its benefits for years. Pilates is an ideal form of resistance training for women in general, but it has some particular benefits for women in their 40s for various reasons.
Low-Impact Exercise:
As women age, the risk of injury increases, especially with high-impact exercises such as running or jumping. Conversely, Pilates is a low-impact exercise focusing on controlled movements and precise alignment. This means it is less likely to cause injury, making it an ideal form of exercise for women in their 40s. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that Pilates effectively reduced musculoskeletal pain and improved posture in women over 40. Who doesn’t want less pain?
Builds Core Strength:
Pilates is known for its ability to build core strength. The core muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, and hips, are crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing back pain. As women age, core strength naturally declines, making it more challenging to maintain good posture and balance. Pilates strengthens the core muscles, helping women maintain good posture and balance. Both of which are critical for not only living but thriving as we age.
Increases Flexibility:
Pilates includes a range of stretches that improve flexibility and mobility. Flexibility naturally decreases with age, making it more challenging to perform daily activities and increasing the risk of injury. The slow, controlled movements of Pilates also help to lengthen muscles and increase flexibility.
Improves Bone Density:
Bone density naturally decreases as women age, putting them at risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Resistance training improves bone density, and Pilates is no exception. Pilates includes weight-bearing exercises that help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety are common issues that affect women in their 40s. Pilates is known for reducing stress and anxiety by focusing on breathing and mindfulness. The slow, controlled movements of Pilates also help to promote relaxation and reduce tension in the body.
In conclusion, Pilates is an ideal form of resistance training for women in their 40s. It is a low-impact exercise focusing on controlled movements and precise alignment, making it less likely to cause injury. Pilates builds core strength, increases flexibility, improves bone density, and reduces stress and anxiety. These benefits make Pilates an effective form of exercise for women in their 40s who want to maintain good health and wellness.
