How Pilates Helps You Run Like the Wind:
As a runner you may think running alone will provide you with a well-rounded exercise program. However, while running is great cardiovascular work, it can lead to imbalances in the body. Those imbalances could sideline your runs for a short time or much longer. In order to maintain this activity in a healthy and beneficial way, I encourage you to address these imbalances. Pilates is an excellent complement to any runner’s routine as it can help bring balance and alignment back into the body as well as target and improve specific aspects of your training.
Whether you are keen to run marathons, crave other long distances, or enjoy a shorter leisurely run, the same muscle groups are used to propel your body forward. When we run we are performing the same movement over and over. This repetitive motion leads to overdeveloped muscles such as the quadriceps, but also leads to weak and tight underdeveloped muscles like the hamstrings and glutes. This is because while in that running gait, the runner’s body is moving in the sagittal plane therefore the muscles that support movement in the horizontal and frontal planes are not challenged specifically. The effects of these imbalances can range from discomfort and minor injuries to major injuries or even issues with balance and falls. In addition, whether you are competing or just running for yourself, you may be short changing yourself the opportunity to run more efficiently, more relaxed, more aware and with less aches and pains.
If you are a runner it’s great to blend low impact, meditative exercises with running training to help you get stronger, reduce injury, and increase efficiency. Pilates can be a great way to work on specific aspects of your training that need
conscious improvement as well as to balance and strengthen deficiencies. Pilates will help runners improve core strength so they can be more upright in their posture, target pelvic stability, as well as improve breath control. These focuses help to improve your running gait, decrease injuries and pain, bring mindfulness to your movement and strengthening the body as a whole.
If you are a runner looking for a fitness regime that compliments your training join Shelbourne Pilates & Rehab for regular “Pilates for Runners” classes. Where we offer expert instructors, small class sizes, and the support you need to make the differences you want to see in your run. Contact one of our studio coordinators to register for classes for our Winter Session today.
Stephanie Leslie