Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the body's core muscles, improving flexibility and posture, and promoting overall physical and mental well-being. Some of the benefits of practicing Pilates regularly include:
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When I was 15 years old, there was a program that matched teenagers with aging adults in a nursing home. We were instructed to meet with our new friends and simply hang out with them. It was a challenging task for me as I didn't know what to say or do. I still remember her sweet face and her kind heart. The experience was quite pivotal for me. It influenced many of my relationships today. I am so grateful for that program since today my favorite people are Medicare eligible.
We have many names for the aging population and none of them I like. I've heard senior, silver, and old. But, the truth of the matter is people over the age of 65 are strong, capable and fascinating! Many of my strongest and most determined clients consider themselves "old ". In reality, these clients are tougher and more mobile than many of my 20 year old clients. It was in my celebration of the wiser generation that I found some interesting facts about the brain and how somatic practices lengthen the longevity of brain function. I was already familiar with mind-body connection and right brain left brain movement theories. However, I stumbled into a several studies supporting how movement-based approaches can prevent Alzheimer's and dementia. When I continued down my research rabbit hole, I found some fascinating information about the brain and aging. As you age, your brain shrinks, especially those important to leaning and other complex mental activities. During preschool, 90% of your brain is formed. (Does that mean my son will always think the word for dinosaur is “grrrrrr”?) The section of your brain responsible for executive function is not fully formed until about the age of 35. The effects of aging can not only be prevented but are actually reversible. Read that one again. World Alzheimer’s Day is September 21st and in an effort to support brains everywhere, Powers Pilates is donating 10% of all September’s profits to the Georgia Alzheimer's foundation. That means that when you sign up for a session this month not only will you be nurturing your own cognitive abilities but, you'll be helping someone else's as well. Ah the beach! Silky sand, wonderful waves and quality time with the people you love. You need it!
If you’ve met me you, you know that I love to go! Go to work. Go to the store. Go to class. But, sometimes I forget to stop. This last week, I realized just how important rest was to my mental and physical health. By simply being at the beach and having a chance to think, I realized how many unhealthy mindsets had creeped into my thinking. While sipping my mai tai, my physical body started to feel better because I sat my butt in a chair. (I know…shocking! Ha.) So, here is your sign! Rest. Relax. Recover. You won’t just love it. You need it. How to make rest part of your exercise plan 1.Schedule specific rest days Schedule a rest day in the same way you would schedule a workout. Don’t forget it and make it a priority. 2. Define your rest days A rest day doesn’t have to mean a couch potato day. It could mean a gentle yoga class or a leisurely walk around the park. 3. Sleep Make sure you get between 7 and 8 hours sleep a night. Everyone has different needs, but most people cannot thrive on less than 7. You may hear people say they only need 4-5 hours, but their body is surviving not thriving. 4. Improve your sleep quality If you are lacking in hours to sleep, try to make the sleep you do get, good quality sleep. Easy to say and much harder to do. Stick to the same bedtime and wake time, banish screens and watch out for too much caffeine close to bed. 5. Benefits of protein Eating protein directly after a workout provides your body with the amino acids it needs to build and repair muscles. 6. Re-assess your schedule at regular intervals Faster recovery occurs in well trained athletes. As you get fitter your body becomes more efficient at recovering and thus your training schedule (including rest days) should be re-assessed on a regular basis as your training continues. 7. Listen to your body. If you feel like you need a rest day, you probably do. Joint pain is a common symptom of overwork. Sometimes rest can be just as challenging as a 5 minute plank. But, you can do it! Interested in more techniques? Join Rest and Recover Yoga. |
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May 2024
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