Veteran dancer and actor Helen started Pilates at the age of 85. Pilates is a great full-body, low-impact exercise known for its structural and strengthening benefits. Helen says that Pilates has helped her walk without a cane and has made her feel better – but read on to find out even more benefits older people can enjoy.
The veteran actress shared a heart-warming video on Instagram where she can be seen practising various moves with her trainer Yasmin Karachiwala (Photo: Instagram)
Bollywood’s iconic dancer and actress, Helen Anne Richardson Khan (popularly known as Helen), has been making headlines after she took up Pilates at the age of 85. In an Instagram video, Helen said that since starting Pilates, she feels “so much more energetic, alive and happy.”
The veteran actress shared a heartwarming video on Instagram where she and her trainer Yasmin Karachiwala can be seen practising various movements. Pilates is a great exercise for working out the entire body. Low-impact methods Pilates is known for sculpting and strengthening the body. “It makes me feel great. It lifts my spirits. I don’t have to drink or smoke to get a lift. Pilates lifts my spirits. I love coming here. Thank you to all the instructors,” she said.
Experts say it’s never too late to start Pilates, whatever your age, fitness level or ability. Pilates can be tailored to your skills and fitness level and can be a part of your life for years to come.
Helen now exercises five days a week and says that practice has given her more energy and eased the pain in her knees. She can now walk unaided and attributes it to her regular Pilates routine. “Oh, when you first came my cane was in a cupboard somewhere. I had hurt my knee. I had to get injections in my knee. But now I can walk on my own and maybe I can even dance,” she said.
Pilates, also known as Control Gy, is an exercise system developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 20th century. This series of slow movements is known as a core-focused workout, but it’s a total-body workout. It’s designed to sculpt the body by correcting muscle imbalances and strengthening movement patterns.
Pilates targets small, deep stabilizing muscles to support joints while balancing strength, mobility and flexibility, and experts say there are more than 600 different exercises that can be done on specialized equipment or mats.
Is Pilates Beneficial for Older People??
Research shows that Pilates has many benefits for people of all ages. The movements are not strenuous, so anyone can easily do it, regardless of age or gender. However, it is always important to consult with your doctor before starting a new type of exercise.
Some of the benefits of doing Pilates include:
Helps improve bone density
Studies have shown that Pilates can help increase bone density, especially in postmenopausal and older women. Low bone density means bones can easily fracture even during everyday activities like standing and walking.
Trying out Pilates with equipment can help strengthen your bones and joints.
As we age, our posture tends to take a back seat and we naturally slouch, which can lead to loss of bone density and compression of joints and organs, causing pain and discomfort. Pilates focuses on alignment and balance, with an emphasis on joint comfort and mobility.
After the age of 75, mobility becomes limited and people are more susceptible to injury. Pilates can help improve flexibility. This exercise provides smooth transitions and consciously controlled movements, and increases strength and support.
Pilates is a mindfulness practice that helps increase self-awareness and calm the nervous system. Studies have shown that Pilates can elevate mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
