Log in
I’ve heard Pilates can improve my sport performance. Is this true?
Yes, yes and yes! Many athletes in a number of sporting modalities are turning to pilates to improve their performance. There are a number of reasons for this, but here are a few to consider:
Improved breathing techniques
Pilates helps to guide your breath in the most effective and efficient way. It requires an increased focus on breath whilst moving and under tension. It also encourages you to breath more deeply which can help to improve your lung capacity and stamina. Whether you are a runner, a swimmer, or a cycler, increased breathing capacity when working hard will extend your performance and reduce early fatigue.
Corrects muscle imbalances
It’s very normal for us to have muscle imbalances, or to be uneven from one side of the body to the other. The more repetitive in movement we are (such as sport-specific training), the more likely this is to occur. Joseph Pilates believed that muscle imbalances are a key reason for causing injuries. He created the Pilates technique and series of exercises as a way to correct muscle imbalances for this very reason.
Prevents injury
Pilates builds strength and resilience whilst concurrently supporting flexibility, coordination and joint mobility. It’s low impact so has great longevity. Lack of core strength and spine mobility is a common reason for injuries, and Pilates has a strong focus on improving core strength, posture and alignment. Injuries do occur in athletes, or sports people, however Studio Pilates, Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates can all help recovery and get them back to their sport fast.
Improved performance with greater agility
Pilates is being praised for athletes improving their performance in their chosen sport with its ability to increase strength and range of motion, as well as giving them an edge mentally with the mind-body connection.
In summary...
In order to excel in a sport, you need to work your body in different ways. Pilates is fast becoming a popular movement to incorporate in training because it targets areas that athletes struggle with the most, that being postural alignment, muscle balance, core strength and injury recovery.
It's not just us that say so - this article from Mens Journal and this one from Mens Health Magazine detail Reformer Pilates many benefits for improving athletic performance.
Try out a Reformer in your home today with our Reformer Rental bed and see how it can support your athletic performance too. Already sold on the benefits? Then we have studio quality reformer beds available to buy so you can add to (or start) your home gym set up!
