Pilates Benefits for Older Adults
Six weeks of mat work may provide significant health improvement.
Research shows notable Pilates benefits for seniors. Older adults in a 6-week mat Pilates program who met twice weekly for 1-hour sessions significantly improved functional mobility, mobility, gait, balance and physical activity, according to findings from research published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2022; doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.06.014). The mean age of participants was 70 years.
Study authors believe that Pilates training may reduce risk of falls for older adults through its effect on mobility, stability and gait.
See also: The Science of Pilates Research
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
