I don’t think Pilates isn’t well rounded, and I totally agree that it’s a good option for people who are only willing to make a minimal commitment to exercise. Based on your recommendations to embrace other forms of exercise, I think we pretty much agree that Pilates can serve as an overall fitness program, but only to a limited extent. That’s all I meant to say, and I think it’s an important point because it seems to me that a lot of people think methodologies like Pilates and yoga are more effective for developing certain aspects of physical function than they really are.

I also agree that the physical limitations of older individuals is especially relevant. The demands of Pilates seem to be enough to help older people regain and improve function without imposing an unnecessary risk of injury. However, many of the physical limitations that older people have are a result of specific areas of imbalance, weakness, or tightness that are likely to be more effectively resolved by a more individualized and focused approach. Such an approach is more likely to improve their function to the point of being able to do more demanding forms of exercise without being as concerned with injury, and with this increased ability should come more improvement in function and quality of life.

I think Pilates and yoga are great for developing the mind-body connection, and I even think they’re suitable as a minimalistic fitness program, but I think people are selling themselves short when they let themselves believe that these modalities are all they need to promote optimal function.

I agree however that it’s almost impossible to get everything you need in a single class and encourage my clients to add other exercise modalities into their training regime (Circuits, Aerobics, Step, Free Weights etc) the problem is almost all of them don’t have a training program of any kind!

I agree that many people never learn how to relax. In addition to intentionally engaging in relaxing activity, it’s also important to learn how to manage negative thoughts. In addition to being busy, many of us create our own stress.

Yes, committing to exercise can be difficult at first, but once it becomes a way of life, it’s much easier. Focusing on implementing one new habit at a time can make it even more so and can be applied to exercise by starting with a small amount and gradually building up.

Thanks

Spencer

Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear that exercise is improving your life!

before I always had excuses.. cannot walk because weather is bad, or I’m too busy…. but I told myself, not this time. We have a fitness center at work, so I signed up, and at the beginning of each week I make a point to schedule my work outs in my calendar.

It’s not that hard to do, I think I’m getting addicted! Now, if I can just LOSE THIS WEIGHT! Hanging in there!