If you aren’t in your prime anymore but still wish to stay fit and lean, now you can. As our bodies age, we may find that we are unable to follow the same workout regime that we loved a few years back without it resulting in nagging pains and aches. Add to that a sedentary life which usually results in a hunched posture, lower back pain, leg pain when walking and other weight issues. Senior people usually complain about getting tired easily, the lack of sound sleep and being low on energy the whole day. That’s why Pilates is fast becoming a hot favourite with people of all age-groups especially seniors. These series of exercises are done slowly with emphasis placed on one’s breathing and can be modified to suit a person’s requirements. With its focus on strengthening muscles and making the body stronger from within, students will find an increase in stamina, muscle tone, flexibility and an enhanced sense of well-being within just a few classes. Sounds great right?

Worried that you have never worked out all and you may not get the same benefits as others? Relax! Pilates moves are so gentle and yet so effective that you can start whenever you’re ready to feel fitter and get moving. Just two sessions of Pilates for 60 minutes each week is a good way to get started. In fact, these exercises are also recommended for pregnant women and have been found to be helpful in speeding up recovery from injuries for athletes too. Seniors will find that within a few classes, body posture improves and the core muscles are also stronger. These exercises do not put any stress on the joints but greatly increase body flexibility too. In fact, if you suffer from troublesome neck, back or shoulder pains, you will find a big improvement in no time. You’ll also feel more mentally alert, less stressed and sleep better too.

Although you could practise Pilates in the privacy of your home by watching an instructional DVD, attending Pilates classes regularly gives you the advantage of having a personal instructor to help you perform the moves safely, correctly, and to their maximum benefit. Plus, you also to get to work out in a group and make plenty of new friends. BTC has a number of Pilates classes to suit your requirements and you can even choose to be part of a group or attend one on one classes. We guarantee that you’ll love the training and you’ll love the new benefits even more!

Pilates was developed in the early 20^th century by Joseph Pilates and was originally part of a rehabilitation program meant for prisoners of war. Unlike other workout regimes which focus on burning calories and on general weight loss, Pilates focuses on developing a person’s core strength, increasing one’s flexibility, paying attention to one’s breathing patterns and performing each move with precision. Pilates has been found to be especially beneficial for those with injuries, pregnant women and seniors as the different moves help to keep the body fit and flexible without causing any unwanted strain or injuries. So what are the benefits that learning Pilates can offer you-

-       For starters, Pilates can help rectify poor posture and strengthen muscles. This also helps to improve bone density.

-       It helps to improve blood circulation, make joints stronger and in turn makes the body much more flexible.

-       It has been found that people who regularly performed Pilates exercises also had a much better immune system which contributed to an improvement in overall health,

-       Pilates is the answer for people who are prone to injuries. In fact, it is not uncommon for athletes and sportspeople to turn to Pilates for faster recovery from sports related injuries and sprains.

-       The various breathing exercises involved help to release tension and calm the mind.

-       Pilates also help to keep the skin looking young and supple. This can be attributed to the different exercises which help in stretching the body and which also enhance the production of collagen.

-       The gentle yet effective exercises have been proven to help alleviate both back and joint pain.

-       Helps to strengthen the abdomen by focusing on the core muscles.

-       Is a great way to complement other workout regimes and to increase overall fitness as well.

Pilates also helps to boost mental alertness and has been known to increase energy levels too. BTC offers both group and private Pilates classes which are guaranteed to uplift both your mind and fitness levels. As each session focuses on your entire body, all your muscles get a good workout leaving you feeling rejuvenated and more flexible. Give us a call to find out which Pilates class is right for you!

In the Pilates section of the blog you’ll find a wide range of information on everything Pilates from history, to technique videos, tips and tricks plus much more.  If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for try the search box at the top, or if it’s not on the blog drop us an email and we’ll add it for you.

Enjoy!

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