How Pilates Benefits Runners
Whether you’re a competitive runner or weekend jogger, there’s no doubt that running is an excellent cardiovascular workout. But it takes more than strong legs and lungs to be a good runner. Having a strong core is essential for balance, flexibility, breathing and endurance.
Running is a repetitive activity so by its very nature this means that any weaknesses or imbalances in your body could potentially surface because certain muscles are overused whilst others are underused. This of course can result in a variety of issues from lower back pain to hip and knee problems.
Over time Pilates exercises can help by activating the lazy muscles that haven’t been doing their bit, lengthening the tight muscles and creating better, more aligned movement.
Whilst running your body endures constant impact – the force of each step travels up from the legs to the lower back and rib cage. The core strength that is acquired through Pilates exercises not only helps make those vulnerable areas better able to deal with the impact, it also improves body alignment and balance and will help you distribute the force of running throughout the body more efficiently.
For both injured and non-injured runners, Pilates presents a functional workout routine that incorporates many components of physical therapy and strengthening and directly impacts running form and strength. One of the differences that sets Pilates apart from other rehabilitative regimens for injured runners is that it supports and strengthens the whole body instead of just the injured part.
What is Pilates?
The Pilates Method of exercise has its origins in the work of the late German-born Joseph Pilates, who believed that mental and physical health is interrelated. Joseph Pilates developed the system of exercises in the 1920s, using various pieces of equipment based on 34 mat work movements.
The eight basic principles of Pilates exercises are:
- Relaxation
- Concentration
- Co-ordination
- Centring
- Alignment
- Breathing
- Stamina
- Flowing Movements
The benefit of attending a Pilates classes is that the exercise regime targets deep postural muscles, building strength from the inside out.
What are the benefits of Pilates for runners?
There are many benefits of Pilates for runners since the fundamentals emphasize balance, mobility and breathing, while strengthening the core muscles that support running. Breathing patterns and body mechanics are essential to performing Pilates movements correctly, which easily translate into a runner’s breathing patterns and posture to improve form and efficiency.
A stronger and more stable core helps a runner:
- Run more efficiently uphill
- Experience less tightening of the neck, head and shoulders
- Increase stamina
- Focus on proper movement with better body awareness
- Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
- Move more efficiently
- Run without pain
Pilates works for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.