HEALTH CARE
She tried Pilates for the first time to learn more about the equipment she was designing . After trying it , she says , she felt so much better in her body . With Flexia , she wanted to bring the Pilates studio experience home and provide more personalized recommendations and an ability to track progress over time .
“ We ’ re living longer , but we ’ re aging faster ,” she says . “ Even if you are moving enough , it ’ s unlikely that you ’ re training your body to stay upright and create balanced muscle development so you can do what you want in life .”
Flexia ’ s first Reformer machines , designed and built by Canevari , started shipping in October . The pandemic fueled demand as more people wanted to workout at home , she says , but supply chain issues delayed shipments . According to Canevari , the Reformer is designed to help joints move well in the fullest range of motion and improve balance by forcing users to maintain stability on a moving platform . It also aids in mindfulness by helping users reconnect to their bodies with form and breath .
A new terrain
If the past two years taught us anything , they served as reminders not to take loved ones for granted . In Canevari ’ s case , this includes making sure her relatives stay on track . Her mother , Beth , 61 , was one of Canevari ’ s first customers and has since become a Pilates instructor herself . Canevari ’ s grandmother , Gail Balch — who turns 85 this month — has spinal stenosis and has difficulty walking . She used to go with her husband Earl to a group YMCA exercise class , but the pandemic put an end to that . With their granddaughter ’ s machine , they found a new way to keep moving and stay healthy .
Research shows healthy relationships and strong family ties play a key role in well-being , especially as individuals age and social networks diminish . A Rush University Medical Center study suggests frequent social activity may help stop or delay cognitive decline in old age .
Of course , in the past two years , the pandemic has made social interaction more challenging with lockdowns leading to more isolation and loneliness . But with new research , McAllister says , scientists will have a greater understanding of how to make fear of aging a thing of the past .
“ Everybody ’ s scared of getting old ,” McAllister says . “ We ’ re afraid of losing memories and the impact that will have on our families . But we ’ re really committed to treating people aging now and changing the trajectory of aging so future generations don ’ t have to worry about aging .”
Russell Nichols is a freelance writer who focuses on technology , culture and mental health . On Twitter @ russellnichols .
70 comstocksmag . com | March 2022