Submitted by Dr. Jennifer Penroce for Penrose & Associates Physical Therapy
Pilates is a highly effective form of exercise that counteracts the natural decline in muscle mass and strength that comes with age. Maintaining or increasing strength as one ages has countless benefits, including improved bone density, increased muscle mass, and improved balance. Together, these factors contribute to an enhanced quality of life and the ability to continue performing everyday activities that we often overlook or take for granted.
Pilates focuses on posture and core and hip strength. These are critical to keeping your back healthy. You will notice more stamina and better mobility.
Pilates with soft bone does require someone instructing the class to understand there are movements or poses that should be avoided to decrease the risk of a fracture. The bending of your spine and curl up motion should be avoided – however we still make the class challenging. “Modification” does not mean easier! It means safer for your spine and hips. We have a licensed physical therapist assistant teaching our classes to ensure safety if you have arthritis, soft bone, or low back issues like stenosis or disc degeneration.
Our Pilates class is perfect for you if you have a history of back issues or have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis or if you are wanting to prevent soft bone. By the age of 50, approximately 50% of women and 25% of men will experience the effects of Osteoporosis or its precursor, Osteopenia. Altered poses to Traditional Pilates does not mean this class will be easier. It means the class will be safe for your spine and hips if you have soft bone.
What about Traditional Pilates Poses?
We will provide and instruct the Traditional Pilates poses to those who do not have soft bone and are
able to demonstrate competency and proficiency in our class. Due too our small class sizes, we can accommodate both those who are allowed and able to do traditional poses safely and those who have soft bone needing the altered poses in the same class.
If you can’t get up and off the floor then our Balance Pilates class will be a better option for you vs our Pilates Mat class. The balance Pilates class will do various core and hip and balance positions in standing. It uses chairs and the wall and various props to help with balance.
When are the Pilates Mat classes? Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m., Friday at 7 a.m. We require RSVP and we need to know if you have soft bone or not. Please listen to the interview regarding Pilates and who it is for and what it will do for you on my podcast “Stay Healthy South Sound.”
The Balance Pilates/standing class will be Monday and Wednesday at 10:10 a.m.-10:55 a.m. starting in May.
We are happy to help you gain strength, mobility, and feel your best. If you are unsure if these classes are the best place to start then please email us info@penrosept.com or call 360-456-1444 to see if this is the right starting point.
Penrose Physical Therapy won First place for Best of South Sound in 2023 and we continue to strive to improve our community’s health and mobility. We are located at 1445 Galaxy Dr. Suite 301 Lacey WA 98516. Check out our website for more free tips.
