Q: Ι’m 55 years old with osteopenia. I would like to try Pilates but I’m afraid that lying down on the mat will make me feel nausea. I really need to improve my body posture and balance. What should I do?
A: You should try standing pilates. It is a different way to practice Pilates. All exercises performed in standing position, so instead of lie down on the mat, we step on it.
Practicing standing pilates is not only fun, it’s extremely beneficial for our body for several reasons.It’s an ideal exercise for anyone, even for those with osteoporosis, since the active gravity and strengthens bones. Patients with this condition may be able to gradually rebuild bone density; therefore, it is great for those who want to prevent this disease. Also, as we are designed to walk and move, by exercising standing up we transfer what we worked in class to our everyday life, so it is a more functional work to our day.
It also helps to work our balance. We have a constant natural resistance: gravity; because our body needs it so must find the balance not to fall, which in turn increases the concentration. When we practice standing Pilates, we require a greater use of our brain than just lying still, as the work of balance increases, forcing us to be more concentrated. And when we work on balance, the center of the body is strengthened, achieving wonderful results regarding toning deep abdomen.
Finally, performing this training system allows proper alignment of the body, it helps align the spine and strengthens the neck, avoiding the “forward head syndrome”, a very common condition nowadays.
Stand up to Pilates!
Varvara Solomonidou,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Seminar & Conference Lecturer, Pilates Master Trainer “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, Member of Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Member of European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), DNAFit® Certified Trainer, General Manager & Owner of AthensTrainers®
Sourse: The Body Magazine, issue 53