If men live a sedentary lifestyle, when they are over 40, they begin to see their physical wellness decline. In fact, even in active people, muscle mass begins to decline at approximately age 40, and slowing this process takes active effort.
However, supporting your body and keeping it strong does not have to mean running miles every day. Pilates for men is one of the most accessible methods of caring for your health without risking injury with intense sports.
If you have never tried Pilates, it is never too late to start! Age 40 is the perfect time to try something new and incorporate Reformer Pilates into your routine. Here are the most significant reasons why there is no better time to try.
Reformers Are Adjustable
For many men, one of the intimidating factors about Pilates is that they fear their physical ability is unsuitable for even beginner classes. Whether because they have been sedentary for so long that activity is a challenge or old injuries and medical conditions inhibit exercise, most assume that Pilates is too intensive for them.
The good news is that this is rarely the case! One of Pilates’ significant advantages is that it is highly adjustable. The reformer operates via a series of springs, which can be adjusted to support each participant.
If you need additional help during an exercise due to knee arthritis, mobility challenges, or other issues, the adjustable reformer can be personalized to meet your needs.
Your Health Is Adaptive
Another reason it is never too late to try Pilates is that your health is adaptable. You may have made less-than-ideal fitness choices over the last five, ten, or twenty years. The best time to start making a change is now.
Studies show that even if you are experiencing plaque buildup in the arteries and an increased risk of heart attack or coronary artery disease, adding exercise to your routine not only decreases these risks; it can reverse some of the damage. The best time to incorporate physical activity is today because your health can benefit immediately.
Advantages of Pilates for Men Over 40
Are you ready to improve your health with Pilates? There are plenty of benefits to giving it a try.
Building Balance
Pilates offers many positive effects, but one of the most substantial is its focus on balance. When people move, they tend to favor specific muscles or motions. Over time, this can lead to full-body imbalance, with one set of muscles overcompensating. A large portion of back, neck, and shoulder pain can be attributed to this imbalance.
Pilates exercises both sides of the body symmetrically. This can return your muscular structure to a balanced state, relieving tension on muscles and joints. Some benefits include improved posture, more comfortable movement, and a decreased risk of falling as you age.
Improving Flexibility
Another advantage of Pilates is how flexible you can become. Pilates’ slow, low-impact motions can gradually lengthen your hamstrings and encourage your ligaments to stretch.
As a result, you may feel more comfortable in your daily life, but you can also become less prone to injury. A sudden, unexpected motion is less likely to cause pain or harm if the ligaments are longer and more flexible.
Burning Calories
Many of the movements in Pilates are slow, focusing on strengthening muscles, balancing effort, and improving range of motion. However, this does not mean that they are easy! Pilates is closely associated with notable weight loss through calorie consumption because it takes more effort than it might seem.
Strengthening your body consumes energy, and building muscles increases your metabolism. Thus, Pilates is advantageous as you age, not just as a form of body conditioning but also as a means to maintain a healthy weight. Combined with a nutritious diet and sufficient hydration, Pilates can help you achieve the body you want in a safe, healthy, and approachable manner.
Try Pilates to Strengthen Your Body
Your 40th birthday may have already come and gone, but that does not mean that you should be set in your ways regarding fitness. Reformer Pilates is an adjustable option for staying active, no matter your ability level or exercise tolerance.
The friendly instructors at RTR Pilates can help you find a routine that works for you, including adjusting the reformer to fit your needs. Contact RTR Pilates to sign up for a beginner class and see how much better you can feel and move after investing in your health.
