Pilates can help reduce Hypertension (or elevated blood pressure), which is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. According to the World Health Organization (2019), it is estimated that 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension and, unfortunately, it is one of the main risk factors for the occurrence of stroke, stroke, arterial aneurysm, and renal and heart failure.
According to the Cardiology classification, a hypertensive individual with constant pressure> 140 mmHg (systolic) and> 90 mmHg (diastolic) is considered a hypertense.
The disease, still without a definite cause, is related to heart problems, but it is not a direct relationship, there are even among the possible causes of sedentary lifestyle, stress, poor diet, among others.
Preventing hypertension
Some consequences of constant high blood pressure are muscle pump inefficiency, left ventricular hypertrophy, changes in blood vessels (excess protein deteriorates the vessel wall), kidney and heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Normally, a balanced diet with reduced salt is recommended, as well as moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking. However, considering the inefficiency of the muscle pump, we must advocate the muscular strengthening of the lower limbs.
Pilates as a resource for hypertensive patients
The Pilates method is one of the most suitable ways for people with heart problems, its execution promotes a greater flow to the blood vessels, in this way, the inferior muscle grouping increases the venous return and decreases the myocardial effort, reducing cardiac stress.
Contrary to what many think, the Pilates Method does not cause an increase in blood pressure during the practice of this activity, even if it is a strength exercise.
This advantage is acquired from the moment you use few repetitions of the exercises (ten at most) and make use of a single and specific breath as a benefit for the good development of the classes – one of the basic principles of the Pilates Method.
Thus, when performing the exercises proposed by the Pilates Method, you get, besides the basic advantages, the differentiated help that helps to promote muscle relaxation, relieve tension and prevent us from performing apnea, thus discarding all the recurring contraindications of normal exercises for people suffering from hypertension.
Remembering, therefore, that aerobic activity will not provide a significant increase in strength to improve the action of the muscle pump.
Is recommend that you pay attention to strengthening large muscle groups, lower limbs and multiarticular exercises, stimulating balance and the proprioceptive system.
Pay attention to restrictions
There are also recommendations that I follow and that work well when working with a hypertensive patient. These guidelines assist in the treatment and protect against possible future problems:
- Avoid inverted positions, where legs are positioned above the headline.
- Do not work on levels of muscle fatigue;
- Ask if the student is medicated;
- Avoid long periods in supine positions;
- Ask for a prior medical indication for the exercise;
- Avoid short, rapid breaths;
- Practice exercises indicated for hypertensive patients.
Following this reasoning, and considering the recommendations for hypertensive clients, Pilates presents many work options.
Conclusion
Pilates is indicated as one of the best physical exercises for people with hypertension, the method helps in muscle relaxation and tension relief, keeping the hypertensive in control of the disease, promotes a more peaceful and relaxed life, without the contraindications of other physical activities already known.
What did you think of this text? Do you have any questions about Pilates? Share with us!