Issue #358 – February 2, 2022
Pilates for Clients with Memory Loss
by Eme Cole
I feel certain that if you’re subscribed to this newsletter, you understand that Pilates has many incredible benefits. I think that the ability to do Pilates for your entire life might very well be at the top of that list.
Currently, I’ve been considering the specific benefits of Pilates later in life. In 2019, my Dad passed away as a result of dementia. He was a brilliant and athletic man who became trapped in a mind and body that was gradually failing him. Two things assisted in his quality of life until the end: my Mom’s incredible nursing skills and his ability to continue to exercise. Even though this disease set out to halt communication between his mind and body, regular guided exercise kept that connection active.
Mind-body fitness endeavors such as Pilates can benefit clients with memory loss – improving mood, cognitive function, balance, coordination, and the ability to sleep well. These activites can also reduce the rate of mental decline and aggression. At times, confusion and the resulting paranoia can cause combative behavior. The peaceful mindfulness of Pilates can assist in balancing out the overall cruelty of these debilitating diseases. Pilates instills a sense of calm that can carry over into daily behaviors.
In the 20 years that I have been teaching Pilates, I have encountered clients in various stages of physical and mental health. I have found that dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory loss related diseases change a person dramatically. As these conditions alter a person’s mental and physical capabilities, they can become trapped in a world of fear and confusion. Although they can compose thoughts, they may struggle to communicate them. And when directing their bodies to do something, it may not result in the desired action. Their coordination can be greatly compromised, so spotting the movements, as well as the transitions between exercises, is of the utmost importance in preventing injuries.
Patience and empathy are your most important tools while teaching Pilates to these clients. Their emotional sensitivity may be heightened as a result of struggling with their cognitive abilities. Be prepared to explain every detail of each exercise – from how to mount the machine, where to focus, when to breathe, how to move, what the next transition will be. You may need to re-explain the movement during the repetitions. Take your time and keep your energy calm. Try not to take their frustrations towards you personally. Focus on the communication approaches and techniques that prove most effective. Give ample positive feedback to raise their confidence plus compliment each small victory.
Simplicity is key. In Pilates, we have a spectrum from basic exercises to very elaborate exercises. Focus on exercises that have only two components and that require minimal coordination. Keep the routines consistent while adding in new exercises occasionally to stimulate their mind-body connection. Keep distractions at a minimum. Don’t play music plus avoid times with multiple clients in the studio so that their complete focus can be on your exercise cues.
Attempt to schedule the client in the morning or mid-day when their minds and bodies are freshest. This avoids “sundown syndrome” which occurs in the early evening when the client can exhibit greater confusion and disorientation. It is also best to have a set schedule so that the client has consistency in their day-to-day activities. During the exercises, take frequent water breaks, as their system may not be communicating dehydration messages as effectively as it used to.
Of all of the many physical ailments that have been presented to me by clients over the years, nothing quite challenges my teaching skills as that of compromised mental function. With Alzheimer’s or dementia causing unpredictable confusion, mood swings, poor communication, lack of coordination, and an increased fall risk, one must be completely engaged during the entire session. It is also advisable to be in communication with their significant others and caregivers to be sure that there is consistency regarding the overall care plan. It is a rewarding situation to experience that the client’s quality of life is improved.
One factor I learned from my Dad’s condition is that dementia not only stops the mind from effectively communicating to the outside world, but it also ultimately stops the mind from communicating with the body as well. Just as the mind forgets people and events, it forgets to tell the muscles how to move and organs how to function. Therefore, it is so important to keep these systems stimulated through regular activity. As instructors, we have the opportunity to train clients for a lifetime, making it likely that we may encounter the challenges of memory loss at some point in our career. I hope that understanding these clients’ needs will give you the confidence to help clients who are navigating this challenge.
Eme Cole earned a BS in Kinesiology, an MS in Exercise Physiology, and completed certifications through AFAA, ACSM, Gravity Training, and The PhysicalMind Institute. In 2002 she opened Pilates Plus Cross-Training Studio in Chicago, which she owned & operated for 12 years. Eme has authored 7 ‘Pilates Expanded’ books for instructors & advanced enthusiasts which are available on Amazon.com. You can also view over 150 innovative Pilates videos and join her subscribers at www.youtube.com/pilatesexpanded. Upon moving to the mountains, Eme invented and patented the multi-purpose, space-saving ‘Pilates Unfold’ machine and also became a certified Emergency Medical Technician. Currently residing in Snowmass CO, she offers online and onsite Pilates training/consulting as well as Pilates retreats at her river home. Please visit www.PilatesExpanded.com to learn more and to connect.