Does back pain resulting from incorrect posture only happen in adults? The answer is no! Postural changes usually begin in childhood, especially during schooling, as a result of poor postural habits.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of people have or will have back pain in their lifetime. Postural changes in childhood can occur due to the load that the student carries in the backpack, often beyond the limit that their body supports, which can trigger injuries and back pain in the future.
The problem is not the backpack itself, but what is carried in it: books, notebooks and materials can increase the student’s body weight by up to 15%. This generates traction and pressure on the muscles and joints, which increases the incidence of back pain.
Ideally, children should not carry more weight than recommended: that is, 10% of their body weight.
If not corrected in time, pain can range from childhood scoliosis, to early kyphosis and osteoarthritis, and in some cases, even slowing the child’s bone growth.
However, with Pilates at school, everything can become easier, from postural reeducation guidelines, to exercises that help strengthen the spine. That’s because they promote increased flexibility, prevent injuries, increase the level of concentration and student development at school.
Pilates at school is a project created to promote health care, preventing possible diseases in childhood, as well as socialization between parents, students and school staff.
This area has been a trend at the moment, and an advantage for those who choose to start in this area is that few schools have this project, there are plenty of vacancies and there is a lack of professionals to work.
The Method does not only bring benefits to children, but also to the school as a whole. This is because it is a project aimed at educating, motivating students, teachers and parents, ensuring better student development in physical, social, mental and emotional factors.
The Pilates Method at school only contributes to the development of students, since in addition to promoting concentration, body awareness, and postural correction, it helps to strengthen the muscles to support the load of the backpack.
The concentration, breathing and movement control during Pilates at school reflect during the student’s classes, contributing to student performance and learning.
The exercises are applied in a playful way to conquer the students with the practice and, thus, correct the bad postural habits acquired when sitting in the school chair, in front of the TV and computer, and incorrect use of the school backpack.
What is the minimum age for a student to join Pilates?
The minimum age recommended to start Pilates at school is from 5 years old.
At this stage, children find it easy to learn what is right, they learn to correct their positioning in the face of day-to-day activities and consequently become healthy adults.
According to Joseph Pilates, there is no specific age. He says that where there is stretching and strengthening according to the principles created by him, there is a practitioner of Contrology.
Remember: Pilates at school is suitable for all ages, the important thing is to respect the physical limits of each individual.
Benefits of Pilates at School
Benefits for the Child/Student
In addition to the fact that the child grows up away from diseases and sedentary lifestyle, he will become an adult adept at the practice of physical activities, acquiring a good quality of life.
Among the benefits for children who practice Pilates at school are:
Organization of the Locomotive System
Improved Posture
Improved Mood
Improved Blood and Energy Circulation
Digestion improvement
Muscle Strength Gain
Flexibility
Decreases Pain and Stress
And all this guarantees a good night’s sleep.