Actor Helen does Pilates at 85, Rakesh Roshan uses it in his workout: Is this the best strength training routine for the elderly?

Pilates requires both concentration and precise movements, it improves the prefrontal cortex of our brain, the part responsible for memory and decision-making.Pilates requires both concentration and precise movements, it improves the prefrontal cortex of our brain, the part responsible for memory and decision-making.Who would have wondered that yesteryear actor Helen would be as fit as a fiddle at 85, self-admittedly feeling like a girl with no joint or bone difficulty? Her mobility, as she jumps on a trampoline in a viral video, is because of Pilates. In fact, a couple of days ago 75-year-old Rakesh Roshan, too, was seen us-ing Pilates routines in his mixed workout regime, stretching, lunging and jumping.

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What was interesting is that both used Pilates, particularly the ball exercises that strengthen their lower limb functions. “Pilates is an easily doable strength training routine, where the muscles contract against an external force, be it a prop, resistance bands or your own body weight. The ball becomes particularly handy for elders because it adds an element of instability, forcing muscles to work harder to maintain balance and control, thus increasing strength and engagement. Pilates with a ball is good for strengthening core muscles, improving flexibility and restoring balance,” says holistic health expert and fitness coach Dr Mickey Mehta.

Why Pilates is good for the elderly: Can it be taken up post-70s?