6 Ways you can slow down the aging process

Time creeps up on us all, but while there’s nothing you can do about your chronological age, when it comes to your biological age – determined by the health of your cells, organs and blood – you really can turn back the clock.

“Biological age is very dependent on lifestyle but by making some changes to your sleep, exercise and diet, it’s possible to make your body years younger” - Quoted from most wellness and nutrition guru’s

Training

Great warm-up for Pilates

Move it!

A recent report found that fewer than half of those aged 18 to 24 get enough exercise, while less than 10 per cent of over 55s are active enough.

Everyone aged 18 to 65 should get moving at least three times a week for 50 minutes.

Walking for 30 minutes every day gets the blood flowing around the body, ­strengthening bones and improving cardio fitness, which helps heart health. Even better to balance this Pilates will give you not only the movement but also strength

Give me strength

People are often intimidated by strength training but it’s very beneficial for the body. You are making the muscle stronger and this can slow the ageing process at a cellular level, increasing energy, preventing injury and even helping with cognitive ability as it engages your mind while you train. This is where Pilates comes in, Pilates is a zero-extremely low impact exercise, so it’s easy on joints. Unlike gym equipment, Pilates is great for older adults, particularly using reformers or the cadillac, this is because of the lighter, even and controlled resistance.

Because Pilates exercise lubricates joints and preserves healthy tissues, and encourages us to use the full range of motion, Pilates helps our joints become healthier, stronger and more flexible. This means we are more likely to have mobile joints even as we age, and also move them correctly, avoiding injury and strain.

The Cadillac

Unlike high repetition and cardio based exercise, Pilates addresses all the parts of the body equally for symmetry, mobility and strength. It's holistic fitness!

Pilates creates longer, leaner muscles, which are less injury prone than the short, bulky muscles created by many other types of fitness. Pilates can help people with joint issues or arthritis improve their range of movement.

Minimise the impact of illness

It may seem miraculous, but there are many documented cases where Pilates has slowed or even reverses the effects of Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, arthritis, osteoporosis and reduced the impact of strokes. Deep, correct breathing gets more oxygen into your body, which decreases tiredness and forgetfulness, and boosts body processes.

Improve alignment and balance

Pilates focuses on balance, symmetry and working within a frame. Clients practicing Pilates will see improved strength, balance and coordination. This combines to reduce the likelihood of falls, which is a high cause of injury for older people.

Because Pilates increases strength and flexibility in both the core and the legs, and improves proprioception (our awareness of our body's place and movement in space), it helps us regain and maintain balance and can also help decrease the chance of falls, injury and accidents.

Not only does Pilates assist us with our strength and flexibility it provides a fantastic total body workout that’s suitable for any fitness level and promotes healthy aging routines and a better quality of life

Mind-Body wellness

Pilates works wonders for the body but also the mind! Joseph Pilates' six principles centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow all force us to use our brain power when mastering each exercise. The mind/body connection is so pronounced in the Pilates method that it is imperative a student uses imagery and his or her concentration to make sure they are initiating the moves from the right place.

Pilates makes such a difference in your mental state. The fact that we are also working on posture and moving from our center gives us a mental boost and lifts our confidence. When we feel more centered and in control physically, we feel more focused and stimulated mentally. Pilates breathing techniques and the post-exercise relaxation can both contribute to sleeping better - and getting a great night's sleep can become more of an issue as we age.

I personally feel more concentrated, connected and strong after every Pilates class I teach and/or take. Pilates is a wonderful workout while on holiday or half-way through a work day. Pilates can be done anywhere, anytime, and it will help you focus in on your body and let any stress in your mind melt away.

Staying active and using your body well is a key component of ageing well, and Pilates can help people of any age perform to their optimum every day.

Ensure you relax and unwind as it is all about balance. Paula x