Pilates FAQs
Real People Pilates for Over 50s has an excellent track record for improving the health, mobility and well-being of people with the Pilates method. These safe, gentle and effective exercises will work for you.
Q. I have not exercised for a long time, do I need to be fit to do the exercises on the DVD?
A. The exercises are gentle and will help you to increase your strength and flexibility. There are two sections in the DVD and you can do the two sections independently until you build up your stamina.
Q. I have a bad back, are the exercises safe?
A. Yes the exercises are safe for people who suffer from back ache and the exercise choices were made in consultation with both a physiotherapist and an osteopath. Many people have found their back ache disappear with weekly practice of the DVD.
Q. Is the DVD suitable for people with osteoporosis?
A. It depends on what grade of osteoporosis you have. If you have a low grade and do not have a high chance of fracture then the exercises are suitable and in fact for people with low grades have shown to be very good. There is a standing section and weight bearing exercises are important for people who have osteoporosis. However if you have any doubt about the suitability of any of the exercises then consult your doctor or specialist or the Osteoporosis Society.
Q. I have arthritis, will the exercises help me?
A. The exercises are gentle and effective and have helped people improve strength and function who suffer from arthritis.
Q. Is it suitable for people over 70?
A. Yes it is suitable for people of all ages. It is a gentle beginners introduction to the Pilates Method.
Q. I can not get down on the ground, will I still be able to do the exercises?
A. There are two exercise sections in the DVD one where the exercises are done standing and one where the exercises are done on the floor. Some people who have worked out with the DVD have found that after a month of doing the standing exercises several times a week they then managed to get down on the floor to do the mat exercises because their strength and flexibility had increased by doing the standing ones.
Q. How often should I do the exercises?
A. Ideally 3 - 4 times a week and you will get optimum results quickly. However even once weekly will provide benefit.
About the Trainer...
Liz Chandler has been teaching Dance, Fitness and Pilates to practitioners, professionals and members of the general public for over 15 years. She is certified by the two UK organisations which set the standards for Pilates training: Body Control Pilates and Pilates Foundation UK. Liz presents professional development workshops to Pilates teachers and physiotherapists.