A disorder in bone metabolism gradually reduces bone density. The disease known as osteoporosis therefore has a major impact on health. However, suitable training can slow down the progression of the disease and delay the development of symptoms associated with osteoporosis. Find out more about the health-promoting properties of professional Pilates training at Pilatesbee and experience how Pilates can help you with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis, also known as bone loss, is a chronic metabolic disease of the bones. The cause can be unspecific, occur as a concomitant disease with endocrine problems (also during the menopause) or be triggered by the treatment of other diseases via drug therapies (e.g. cortisone). A familial clustering can sometimes be identified, with women being affected more frequently than men. In total, around 6 million people in Germany are considered to be affected by osteoporosis in various stages and forms.
The symptoms of osteoporosis usually begin gradually, for example during hormonal changes in women during the menopause, as the production of the protective sex hormone oestrogen is reduced during this time. Bone density is reduced as the osteoclasts break down weakened bone tissue, but the new bone formation by the osteoblasts can no longer compensate sufficiently. The first indication of this is bone fractures after minor falls.
The diagnosis is based on a detailed medical history, a measurement of bone density as an examination of the mineral salt content of the bones. If osteoporosis is present, individual treatment planning is important in addition to drug therapy and an examination of the diet and nutrient supply. The treatment plan can focus on reducing bone loss, promoting bone formation or a targeted combination of both. In all variants, regular and appropriate exercise is an important element. Pilates can also be an ideal addition to the treatment plan for osteoporosis.
Full body workout
Gentle on the joints
Mental training
Strengthening the deep muscles
When Joseph Hubertus “Joe” Pilates developed his own physical training program, his aim was to combine the benefits of different training methods into an effective and holistic concept. Body, mind and soul in harmony was his version of health and beauty, coupled with a sense of well-being in one’s own body. Today, the method he developed is considered a novelty in body strengthening, combining a healthy attitude to life with beneficial elements of sport and quality of life.
Pilates as a holistic training concept supports physical and mental fitness. In addition, the differentiated exercises can be used specifically to promote health aspects appropriately: Gentle on the joints yet challenging, Pilates promotes the strengthening of deep muscles, stimulates the bone structure through moderate stress on the skeleton and offers holistic support for health as a whole-body workout. In addition to physical training, nutrition is also included in the best case scenario.
In osteoporosis, regular, targeted exercise is also an important factor in a healthy lifestyle. As bone density suffers in osteoporosis, movements that promote bone formation are the right choice. These include, above all, movements in which the bones are loaded by your own body weight through regular repetitions. Pilates is a suitable sport as it involves using your own body weight to strain the body instead of working with external weights, for example, as is the case with strength training in a traditional gym.
Pilates combines all the important aspects of osteoporosis, as the training concept aims to strengthen the muscles, strengthen the bones and support balance by focusing on the center of the body. Pilates for osteoporosis therefore not only directly helps to build up the bone structure, but also reduces the risk of falls and associated injuries, e.g. broken bones.
The benefits of Pilates for osteoporosis have only been shown in a few explicit studies, but are widespread in research on osteoporosis treatment. For example, sports that use the body’s own weight for exercise are generally considered beneficial, as is the case with specific exercises in Pilates training. It is important to train in close cooperation with professional instructors in order to avoid training errors and to optimize the use of the correct Pilates exercises for osteoporosis.
Talk to your doctor about your preferred sport, Pilates for osteoporosis. They will usually advise you to exercise regularly and welcome professional guidance from a Pilates instructor. Then look for a qualified Pilates instructor or a studio such as Pilatesbee, where only trained Pilates instructors run the classes. Use the introductory meeting to draw attention to your diagnosis and ask for individual advice on how to perform safe Pilates exercises for people with osteoporosis.
In addition, it is important for patients with osteoporosis to consistently follow their doctor’s advice. This includes, for example, making lifestyle changes to support osteoporosis treatment, following dietary recommendations to promote bone health and keeping regular visits to the doctor and taking medication.
At Pilatesbee, we have a team of experts on hand to help you design your personal Pilates workout. Our fully trained instructors will work with you to create an easy-to-understand training plan so that you can use Pilates for osteoporosis as a targeted aid for your health. Learn the exercises that are right for you from scratch, safely and with optimal guidance. Benefit from our experience and let us advise you on how to get started with Pilates as well as on further training planning.
How does Pilates help with osteoporosis?
Pilates improves the maintenance and development of muscle strength, bone stability and balance. As Pilates exercises use the body’s own weight for training, the Pilates concept is well suited for osteoporosis patients.
What do I need to consider before starting Pilates for osteoporosis?
As a Pilates beginner, you should discuss the diagnosis of osteoporosis with the instructor and learn suitable exercises under supervision. Advice from a Pilates instructor is also advisable for advanced Pilates users from the time of diagnosis.
Why is Pilatesbee suitable as a studio for osteoporosis sufferers?
In our Pilatesbee studio, trained Pilates instructors work alongside experts from other training disciplines. The team consists exclusively of professionally trained instructors who can also provide important and necessary support for special requirements.
