People with pain in the knees, hips, and other joints often struggle to find a way to stay active and healthy. Joint issues such as limited mobility, aching, grinding, popping, or arthritis can interfere with the exercises a person might otherwise choose, and failing to stay active only compounds the issue. Did you know that Reformer Pilates classes could have a solution?
Reformer Pilates uses an adjustable machine to facilitate exercises targeting all body parts. The reformer is especially useful for those with joint issues because it provides support and mobility in ways other workouts do not.
Research has shown that Pilates is a very effective method of enhancing joint mobility, and it is even used during physical rehabilitation. If you are considering a beginner Pilates class, learn how signing up could help with joint issues in the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and more.
It Encourages Joint Mobility
Pilates is all about keeping the body flexible. The exercises seek to strengthen muscles by using resistance and stretching, which can target muscle groups that typical exercises (such as weight-lifting) might not.
Because Pilates gently keeps the body moving, it is an excellent option for easing into greater joint mobility. Over time, participants can engage more deeply with the stretches and movements of Pilates, and each time they do, their joints will become more capable of handling that motion.
It Provides Aerobic Impact (Without the Impact)
One of the biggest challenges people with joint issues face is how painful it is to do many exercises. Things like running and jumping rope seem impossible because each shocking impact as the foot hits the ground can send waves of pain into the body.
Pilates avoids this issue entirely because it is a low-impact exercise. Instead of aggressive, forceful movements, reformer workouts use slow, intentional stretching and weight-bearing. Make no mistake, though; this is still a workout! Pilates provides aerobic exercise, but participants do not need to expose their joints to impact to do it.
It Supports Joints
The joints benefit from stretching, but without the proper support, they will still be unstable under the strain of daily activities. Reformer Pilates gradually builds up the muscles around the joints, providing a stable “nest” where they can rest. The joint itself will no longer be responsible for bearing all of the weight and strain; instead, the muscles will assist, easing the work of the joint (and the pain that comes with it).
It Adapts to You
Reformer Pilates offers one significant benefit that most people do not immediately consider with this form of exercise: adaptability. The reformer machine can be adjusted to suit anyone’s physical needs, which can help to accommodate those whose joints cannot currently handle a specific type of movement or force.
Instructors can change the machine’s bands to provide additional resistance for those ready for an increased challenge. Individuals struggling due to joint issues can benefit from a band change that supports their movement rather than working against it. Rest assured that offering this support does not eliminate the physical or aerobic benefit of doing the exercise!
It Keeps Joint Strain Down
Joints that are under constant strain have fewer opportunities to rest and heal. While some strain that impacts the joints may come from other issues in this list, such as a lack of muscular support in the area or a decrease in overall mobility, those are not the only possibilities. One of the most common ways people strain their joints is by carrying too much weight.
Individuals challenged with maintaining their desired weight can benefit from Pilates, and by extension, so can their joints. By shedding pounds through accessible, low-impact exercise, participants can ease some of the strain on their joints and facilitate faster healing, greater strength, and reduced pain and discomfort. Of course, this facet of Pilates also has plenty of other benefits for the rest of the body, too!
Try Reformer Pilates for Your Joint Health
If you have pain and mobility challenges in the knees, hips, or other joints, you may feel at a loss for what to do next. Reformer Pilates classes for beginners can be a great place to start! The instructors at RTR Pilates can help you achieve a better range of movement according to your abilities; do not worry if you are not very flexible right now!
We can adjust the reformer to support your movements and help you return to stronger, less painful joints. Contact RTR Pilates today to sign up for a class!