If you are a runner who doesn’t have Pilates as part of your training regime, then it really is something to consider. Not only can it help you to avoid injuries when you are running, it is also excellent for injury recovery.
One thing that any runner, whether they run for fun or on a professional level, will learn very early on is just how important the right type of training schedule is if they want to succeed at their chosen sport. They also learn that good training isn’t just about running often and improving their times, but that warm-up and cool-down exercises are essential if they want to help avoid injury.
Of course, there is no way to completely prevent the possibility of accidents. However, if they do occur, Pilates exercises can also aid in injury recovery.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
The most significant benefits of Pilates to anyone who runs are:
- It helps develop a strong core and postural awareness – running puts great strain on the lower joints and back, and if there is an imbalance of muscle use in the hips and legs, this has the potential to cause injury and pain to a runner. Pilates can help to improve the stabilisation of the muscles that surround the pelvis and also strengthen the core. It also helps to make a person more aware of their posture. Therefore, it can help keep the body in better alignment and reduce the chance of injury.
- Flexibility for improved strides – With Pilates it is possible to improve both flexibility and range of motion without any compromise to strength. The muscles are stretched simultaneously. This can be particularly important for those who trail run as it protects the back and helps to absorb the impact of shock. Pilates can help by training muscles that may sometimes be neglected during a run.
- Improve deeper breathing in order to sustain running for longer – There are many different ways in which runners can breathe, and all with different outcomes Pilates is a valuable tool that can assist in the development of stronger breathing muscles. This can ultimately help to avoid things like side cramps during running as well as improving concentration and mental focus.
Whilst these might seem like tiny steps, when added together, they can have a significant effect on the ability a runner has to reduce their chance of injury.
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