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Menopause and the Pilates Method of Exercise

Menopause And The Pilates Method of Exercise

Menopause is defined as that period which marks the permanent caseation of menstrual activity. Usually occurs between the ages of 35 and 58. It is this gradual change in ovarian function that makes up an entire phase of a woman’s life.

During menopause or as it used to be known, the ‘change of Life’ woman want to stay active, look and feel  as beautiful through this transition and wll into their 30 plus years of life beyond.

Many books are published on the subject of menopause, one of my favorites is by Dr. Chrisiane Northrup. In ‘Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom’, she writes, ” To make the most of the menopausal transition, I encourage a woman to think of it as a process during which she’ll be creating the healthy body she needs to last her until the end of life.” She states, “the menopausal transition is an excellent time to focus on the prevention of problems that appear to intensify at this stage.”

Many exisiting problems can be exacerbated at this stage, conditions like adrenal exhaustion, fibromyalgia and arthiritis. I know first hand because it happened to me.

It was the fatigue and muscle pain that motivated me to search for relief. And in that search I found Pilates to be the best exercise method for my body. Having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints.  Also having been diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion from years of burning the candle at both ends. Throw in with that a bout or two of Lyme’s disease and by perimenopause I  was a walking disaster.

Many other forms of exercise only made  my symptoms worse. It was not until I found Pilates that my body began to actually feel better after a workout session not worse. Before Pilates I was to the point where daily activities were difficult, not to mention my career was in jeopardy as my work requires a fair amount of physical strength.

After my first Pilates session, I noticed a sublte difference. I felt I was able to stand taller at the end of a long day.

As I continued in bi-weekly sessions I began to get stronger, and in gaining strength I re-gained confidence in my body both mentally and physically.

Today at 51,  I workout daily, carry a full time massage client schedule, and on the weekends have energy to ride my motorcycle and even take a horseback riding lesson or two.

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Pilates, Not Just An Exercise But An Art Form

Pilates are considered to be a very special form of exercise. Although it doesn’t require the fast pace tempo of aerobic exercise, it can be just as strenuous. The motion is slower but the balance and muscle coordination needed takes some time and practice to master. But it is a celebrated form of exercise due to its ability to positively affect the body and mind.

This type of exercise program was an old practice that has recently soared in popularity, much like yoga. The unique fitness routine requires a lot of discipline and mental focus. It is best learned by attending a class with a trained instructor. After a few months, it is possible to attain the flexibility and grace of a dancer. It is also used as part of a weight control program.

The exercise program is basically a body-conditioning regimen. The program focuses on creating a strong, flexible body and an overall lean tone. Like any form of exercise, the longer you do it the more endurance you will build. Although the movements are not rigorous like aerobic exercise, these take a lot of strength, balance and muscle coordination. It is one of the many popular exercises that work the core, which is the torso region of the body.

The program has many benefits. People that do this form of exercise tend to develop sculpted, lean bodies. This method elongates the muscles, which adds a dancer or gymnast style elegance to an individuals posture. You become stronger and more coordinated.

The exercise methods were created during WWI. The creator was a sickly and weak child that suffered from asthma. His parents put him in various sports to build his lung strength and to help him become an overall healthy child. When he became a nurse, he first created the fitness program to help injured soldiers. He used his technique to assist men with muscle and coordination recovery from their injuries during the war. He also created a machine that coincided with the exercise program to help build upper body strength.

After the movements were established, the inventor created a machine to help strengthen the upper body. This went through several various forms until reaching the modern day machines we now see. Even when working on the machines, the movements are slow and controlled. This maximizes the tension placed on the muscles.

Joseph Pilates believed that our physical and mental natures are one. The constant flow of energy is vital to achieving the best results. Breathing becomes essential to maintaining a healthy mind and body. Deep focus and being in tune with your body add a certain level of inner harmony and control. This is a wonderful exercise program that promotes a healthy body and mind.

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How To Make Pilates An Effective Exercise

There are many contrasting methods that you have the ability to use when attempting to lose weight, keep in shape, and tone up your body. Some individuals may use cardio exercises like walking or biking. Some others prefer to do strength exercises utilizing free weights or bench pressing. Than there others who may do more alternative work outs like yoga or Pilates.

Pilates is a unique method that utilizes different exercises to tone and build up strength in all of the muscles that are in the body. It teaches you how to extend your ligaments and muscles, become more flexible, and endure more in your life. Learn how you are able to do the basic movements and follow the rules.

Posture

The key to a good pilates exercise is the position you have. You have to keep your spine absolutely straight and extend your muscles as much as feasible. Any slumping will damage your body and might prevent you from getting an efficient workout.

Breathing

Every move that you make must be fluid – but it may still be hard. Make sure that you match your breathing to each move. This will aid you to control your heart rate, keep you from being over exerted, and to better your metabolic process.

Ab Muscles

Remember to keep your abdominal muscles tight during every exercise. This aids to support your core, improve the posture, and fortify the muscles that are in your stomach. When you are working out your arms and legs you will also be shedding belly fat.

Stretching

Make a point that you do stretches before and after each workout. This will keep your muscles loosened up and able to handle the strain that you are putting on them. By doing this you will help to prevent injuries and get the best exercise. The more you do these the better you will get and you will find out you have the ability to utilize the Pilates machine for a harder workout.