Gayle Anderson was live in North Hollywood to continue her series of NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! reports spotlighting exercise for the injured.
PILATES is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body, according to the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), the professional association and certifying agency for PILATES teachers. As the “science of control,” PILATES is designed to strengthen the body’s core, mobilize the spine and build flexibility. Over the past 15 years, PILATEShas become increasing popular as a form of exercise, but also as a form of physical rehabilitation for various kinds of injuries.
Did you know? The PILATES Method was started by Joseph Pilates, a German national living in Lancaster, England during World War I. He developed the regimen, which he called “Contrology,” after more than 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens. Along with his wife, Clara, Pilates used the exercise regimen to help rehabilitate those with physically injuries along with the seriously ill. In 1926, Pilates moved the the United States and started teaching his method to boxers and dancers.
Promising studies have shown the benefits of doing PILATES for reducing pain and disability in neck pain patients (see J Bodyw Mov Ther July 2013) and patients with chronic low back pain (J Manipulatuve Physio Ther May 2002); helping to develop balance, mobility and muscle strength for MS patients (see NeuroRehabilitation 2014); and improving balance in older men and women (J Aging Phys Act July 2014). It is also considered a safe and effective method for people with fibromyalgia syndrome (Arch Phys Med Rehabil December 2009) and postoperative total hip and knee arthroplasty patients (Clin Orthop Relat Res 2009).
Similarly, Arthritis Today advises that physical activity can help osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia sufferers without causing additional pain and suggests that sufferers do PILATES to safely work out their upper body. Arthritis sufferers have experienced pain relief as a result of PILATES exercises. Sixty-year-old actress, Kathleen Turner, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1992 and credits regular PILATES sessions with helping her combat the painful disease.
Monica Blake, a certified PILATES instructor and founder of In Action Pilates in Pasadena, began doing PILATES after years of pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. She currently offers a seated PILATES class for seniors, the mobility challenged, arthritis sufferers, and those who are new to exercise or haven’t exercised in a while. This seated workout helps develop strength and flexibility in order to enhance body confidence and help perform daily activities with ease. The program is designed to build your core and targets your abdominals, lower back and pelvic floor muscles. For more information, click HERE.
In addition to PILATES, injured and pain sufferers have found relief through aquatic therapy. Pool/aquatic therapy is the safest form of rehabilitation, especially for weightbearing injuries, because it takes place in the buoyancy of water and thereby removes impact and trauma from weightbearing joints. In pool therapy, the water offers buoyant support for the body, resistance to bodily movement, a natural reduction in pain, and a relaxing and refreshing feel. Combined with traditional land physical therapy, it offers the quickest way to return to normal daily activities.
Complete PT combines the best of pool therapy and traditional land physical therapy in one convenient place. Virtually all injuries and rheumatological conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankle and leg sprains and fractures, presurgical and postsurgical hips, knees, and backs, muscle strains, frozen shoulders, painful necks and backs, fibromyalgia, achilles and patellar tendonitis can be treated using a combination of both land and pool therapy.
Treatment hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Complete PT was founded by Lynday Huey, M.S., who has spent more than two decades water training many of the world’s finest athletes. She was educated at San Jose State University where she starred on the track and field team during its golden years. She earned a masters degree in kinesiology, coached volleyball, field hockey, and track and field at several universities before writing her autobiography and starting her own business. Ms. Huey has pioneered the use of water training with Olympic athletes in 1983 and wrote four books on water exercise. In addition, she has written for most of American’s top sports magazines, hosted a sports show on KCRW, and worked for NBC at the Seoul Olympic Games. For more information, click HERE.
For those with injuries, cardio workouts can often do more harm than good. ElliptiFit, a boutique fitness studio in Los Angeles, offers low-impact, full-body workouts for all fitness levels. The classes are primarily conducted on low-impact elliptical machines, which mimic walking or running without all of the stress on your joints.
Founded by Annette Comerchero, ElliptiFit offers 45-minute workouts that combine cardio and interval training by changing the machine’s incline, speed, and even direction. Classes are offered daily. A single class is $25. Discount packages are available. ElliptiFitoffers a two-week introductory special offer featuring unlimited classes for $45. For more information, click HERE.
There are many benefits to elliptical training. While elliptical machines offer a low-impact workout, machines that are equipped with movable upper body handles or poles allow you to exercise both your arms and your legs. In addition, Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. in MayoClinic.org states that elliptical machines can be less stressful on your knees, hips, and back than running on a treadmill. Using an elliptical machine in reverse can also work hip extensors and hamstrings, which are muscles that protect the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Before starting an elliptical workout, talk to your doctor to determine which exercise is right for you if you have any injuries or other health concerns.
While there are many benefits to these workouts for those with injuries or disabling illnesses, these exercises are not for everyone. You should seek the advice fo a physician or health care professional before starting a new exercise regimen to ensure that it is safe and beneficial for you.
Monica Blake, In Action Pilates
(626) 808-8365
Complete PT
3283 Motor Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 845-9690
(310) 845-9691 FAX
ElliptiFit
11870 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 207
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(323) 400-5348
If you have questions, please feel free to call Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732 or e-mail Gayle at Gayle.Anderson@KTLA.com