Pilates for Senior, the expert: “With the reformer you can work on strength, balance and autonomy even after 80 years”

Pilates is a discipline also suitable for the over: if used in the correct way, the Pilates method applied to the reformer becomes an effective therapeutic mode, to be proposed also in collective lessons, for the prevention of diseases and the care of the functional deficit at every stage of life, demonstrating how Movement is a real anti -aging medicine To maintain the various body systems in a good balance.

During Rimini Wellness, Viviana FabozziMaster Fif professor (Italian Fitness Federation) and Personal Trainer, specialized in postural education, has carried out a lesson with an ultraottanenan pupil, to show how to manage this particular fringe of athletes and to show that Pilates is precisely a discipline, which if “tailor -made”, does not have limits of execution and benefits. We deepened with her these aspects.

What concrete benefits can the Pilates method lead to people over 80, also with reduced mobility or fragility?
«Pilates offers numerous benefits for the elderly over 80. In addition to a global postural rebalancing, the Pilates Reformer, specifically, contributes to the improvement of mobility and consequently of flexibility, muscle strength, balance. Furthermore, It can help reduce pain, to contrast osteoporosis and thanks to its high coordination, cognitive decline. Pilates also favors mental well -being and socialization, making it an activity absolutely very suitable for a senior audience ».

Is it still possible to “reconstruct” muscle tone, posture or breathing at this age?
«Breathing is the foundation of the method, therefore it is a factor that not only improves lung ability, but also the control of movements, thanks above all to an improvement in self -awareness. The work with the resistance of the springs that characterizes the large reformger tool allows you to work on a real increase in strength also in this age group ».

What are the fundamental precautions to keep in mind when working with very elderly students?
«For over 80, training requires specific precautions for Essentially guaranteeing security and effectiveness. It is first of all fundamental to make an anamnesis of the elderly subject and consult the doctor before starting any program, prefer low impact activities that allow you to coordinate breathing and control movements; and again, proceed progressively, therefore gradually, to the increase in the intensity. It is essential to prepare the training session with adequate heating and dynamic stretching, and remain hydrated especially in the summer season ».

Which exercises of the original repertoire can be maintained, and which should be avoided or modified?
«In general, Pilates in all its forms is considered a safe discipline and also suitable for over 80, thanks to its low impact approach and the possibility of adapting the exercises. However, Some exercises of the traditional repertoire may not be suitable for everyone and among them the exercises that excessively raise the spine or that require an excessive flexion of the bust are excessivelysuch as the “roll up” or the “Rolling like a Ball”, which could be avoided or adapted with exercises called “pre -pilates”. We can certainly adapt the Hundred, which is the king of the matwork repertoire. In any case, it is essential that The instructor carefully evaluate the individual conditions of each participant And modify the exercises accordingly, favoring those who strengthen the core without overloading the back ».

What is the role of the tools (chair, wall, small props) in practice with over 80?
“The supports of the Pilates, such as balls, rollers, ring and elastic bands, play a crucial role in improving flexibility, strength, balance and posture in the over 80. These tools, used with control and awareness, modulate the intensity of the exercises in a modular way, making the Pilates accessible and safe even for those with physical skills. These are therefore precious tools for the over 80s that contribute to an active and healthy aging ».

How do you work with the balance and the fear of falling?
«To overcome the fear of falling into the training of over 80, A gradual approach is essential And which initially requires the support of a Personal Trainer that includes proprioceptive exercises for the balance for balance and exercises with overloads for the strength of the lower and superior arts by adapting the basic motor patterns ».

How does the teaching of breathing change with advanced age students?
«Taking into account the potential physical and cognitive limitations related to age it is essential to adapt the techniques to their physical condition, with simplicity and patience, reducing the complexity and duration of the sessions, e favoring exercises that promote awareness of breath and relaxation».

In your opinion, what is the most important emotional or psychological aspect in working with over 80?
«In working with over 80 it is essential create an environment of support, trust and respect, that takes into account their individuality, enhancing their experiences of life and emotional needs, e promoting socialization and a sense of belonging and enhancing their sense of dignity and their right to a full and significant life and all this undoubtedly implies active listening, and great empathy».

Can Pilates return a form of “physical dignity” and autonomy even to those who have undergone a slow motor decline?
«For all the benefits and peculiarities of the method, Regular practice of pilates can be very useful to combat motor decline, especially in elderly people or in those who have suffered injuries why helps to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, muscle strength and awareness of the body, All fundamental aspects to maintain or maintain mobility and prevent falls, accidents or other problems related to the motor act ».