Sports Pilates is a type of Pilates designed to help those who run and play sport. Our Sports Pilates in particular is designed for more long distance runners (5k to Ultra Marathons) and those doing triathlons and Ironmans.
What is Pilates and how does it help with running and triathlons.
Pilates in general is about strengthening the key stabiliser muscles of the body. These muscles are primarily the shoulder stabilisers, the core and glute muscles. It also works on improving tightness through the hip joints. This is really important for running and triathlon as these muscles tend to weaken
due to the amount of sitting, we do in modern life. It is very difficult for our bodies to be ready for running, swimming, or cycling when we are sitting for over 8 hours per day. Pilates moves can help restore muscle balance and have the body in an optimal state for running and the other events.
Reduces injury risk and niggles felt running.
Not having these muscles activated tends to mean that the passive structures of the body, the tendons, ligaments, and joints take all the load and pressure when we run in particular. This is why these are the areas that tend to get injured with running (Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, SI joint etc.). They are over-worked because the muscular system is not doing its fair share.
Improves Running Economy.
Another benefit of Sports Pilates is that it improves running economy. This simple means how efficient we are when running. Having a stronger core and leg muscles means that we are able to produce more force more easily which makes our running mechanics better and takes less energy for us to run each step.
How sport Pilates differs to normal Pilates
Basically, the specificity. While there are moves in Sports Pilates, such as the bridge, superman and clams that are identical to traditional Pilates, there are also a lot of other moves that are different. We tend to do more exercises on our feet, transferring the core and glute work we have done on the ground
and getting these muscles used to working in the position that they will be needed. This allows greater transfer over to the running stride. Further more this work on our feet allows the stabiliser muscles, such as the muscles in the feet to really fire and activate. Thus getting more of the benefits in reducing injury risk and increasing efficiency.
How much of it does it take to see a benefit
We recommend our clients do the 45 minute class at least once per week. We have a lot of optional extras so you can have something to do everyday but this is the minimum. Most report seeing improvements, feeling stronger and having less tightness and niggles in as little as 4 weeks.
