We are bombarded through media, with anti-aging approaches like botox, plastic surgery, facial creams, and expensive supplements.Ā I personally think the concept of anti-aging is BS.Ā We are all aging every day.Ā If you actually stop aging, you are …dead.Ā Ā I prefer to age, embracing every wrinkle as a testament to the privilege of still being here and with it, hopefully, some added wisdom on top.Ā Now how we age is a choice.Ā Everyone makes the choices that feel right for them but I want to share with you an additional approach you can add, that works from the “inside out”.
MOVEMENT HELPS
Did you know that Pilates can make you look and feel younger? This is all without expensive creams, needles, or surgery.  The only side effects? Improved flexibility, balance, strength, and posture! Exercise also improves your skin and complexion. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. We lose about 1% of our leg strength and about ½ a percent of our bone density yearly after we hit 50. Pilates slows down the muscle and bone loss that occurs with aging.
3 WAYS TO CONNECT and AGE STRONG
Do you prefer to be guided in your movement practice with skill and a keen eye toward the active ager?
The local Aging Strong PilatesĀ® class that I teach in Los Altos, CA,Ā my DVD series AGING STRONG PilatesĀ® and my Zoom Virtual Classes all focus on those areas at risk of decline as we age. Those areas include the hips and legs (to keep us strong, mobile, and doing what we love), the spine (to prevent slouching/hyperkyphosis), and balance (to prevent falls).
TIPS TO FINDING A TRAINED PILATES TEACHER
If you want to find a Pilates teacher local to you, search for one that is certified through the Pilates Method AllianceĀ (is an NCPT-Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher) and who has the skills to customize a program to your abilities. If you have certain challenges like osteopenia, osteoporosis, herniated discs, stenosis, joint replacements (the list goes on) your instructor should be aware of the movement contraindications for each diagnosis and be able to create a program that keeps you challenged yet safe.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Remember- 1x a week is helpful but consistency is key in the Aging Strong formula. Improvement is dose-responsive. The more classes you take, the stronger, more balanced, and agile you’ll be. If you canāt get to more than one class, make sure your instructor gives you an individualized home exercise program designed specifically for you. (and try my DVDs if you haven’t already)
I believe in interspersing Pilates with the other movement activities in your life that bring you joy. For example,Ā I love dancing, hiking, and walking my dog Chip.
Please share in the comments section below, what movement activities raise your spirits and your core temperature!
Written by Teresa Maldonado Marchok, Licensed PT and NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
Creator of the BoneSmart PilatesĀ® Method and acclaimed DVD series
Pilates Studio owner since 1998 melding PT and Pilates in her Mountain View, CA private practice.
Ambassador for American Bone Health
Learn more at www.BoneSmartPilates.com