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torsdag 26 november 2009

Strength Training Helps Stop Muscle Fiber Loss

By Terry Lane

How many seniors would think that strength training is more important now than when they were in their 20's? If they haven't yet figured it out, they should. Every decade past the age of 25 men and women begin to lose muscle mass. With osteoporosis knocking on the aging population one would think to take a closer look at what are the ways to combat this affliction. It's never to late in life to start a strength training program. Many senior centers have personal trainers to help those who have neglected their bodies.

Muscle fiber if you look at it under a microscope for those who are over sixty looks similar to those in their twenties. So starting a strength training exercise routine can begin later in life. Increasing muscle now will help prevent frailty later in life. But aging has other problems that can be addressed with strength training. Aging brings on the loss of balance and flexibility. One's stamina diminishes as well. Yet Pilates is an exercise that is appropriate for any age and for any fitness level. Pilates gentle exercises are also easy on the joints.

Because of this many physical therapists have adopted Pilates in their rehabilitation philosophy to help strengthen their client's flexibility and posture along with working with them in their specific injury. Joseph Pilates who created this exercise discipline first did it as a nurse in the German army in World War One. He found that by using his exercises wounded soldiers where able to regain their strength.

His first piece of equipment was developed using attached springs to patient's bed. Soldiers quickly began to heal quicker than soldiers who did nothing at all. Joe Pilates was an innovator and healer certainly ahead of this time. Today Pilates is now a mainstream exercise taught by certified teachers throughout the world. These teachers have used Pilates early teachings as well as added their own style to help clients that are in shape and those that are de-conditioned. Pilates exercises also helps arthritis sufferers keep their joints oiled up so that they have a greater range of motion.

Pilates equipment has evolved since Joe first attached springs to hospital beds. Equipment such as the Cadillac, Chair and Reformer are mainstays in Pilates studios. Now you can buy in online fitness stores smaller related equipment like the Pilates ring, mats and instruction DVDs. Pilates makes a great addition to any fitness program. It may be the best core conditioning exercise anyone can do. Resistance bands are another type of fitness equipment that is used in Pilates studios. These inexpensive and versatile tools come in various resistance and are a great alternative to heavy weights.

Pilates rehab works for many reasons. The attention paid to good form is a perfect way for an injured client to gain strength in injured muscles. Pilates is gentle on the joints and won't over-stress an already stressed body. It also strengthens the smaller muscle groups that support joints and bony structures, and it builds an awareness to balance, chronically weak and imbalanced muscles gain equal strength. Pilates rehabilitation can be considered preventative medicine. Keeping the body strong now will help avoid injuries tomorrow and staying free of injury is an important benefit as we age.

It is important to note that certified Pilates instructors are not medically qualified to make a diagnosis. It is best to seek out sound medical advise first. Pilates instructors need to work in conjunction with chiropractors, medical professionals and physical therapists in working up the best plan for a client. Pilates exercises is a total body workout that is suitable for all ages and abilities. Make it part of your fitness goals for long term health.

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