Pilates, a popular fitness system named for its creator, Joseph Pilates, was originally called controlology because "he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles."
According to Joe (Pilates, that is):
"In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you'll be on your way to having a whole new body."
The goal of Pilates is "to attempt to create a fusion of mind and body, so that without even engaging the mind, the body will move with economy, grace, and balance.
6 Principles of Pilates:
- Breath
- Centering
- Concentration
- Control
- Flow
- Precision
Pilates may be performed on a mat, without equipment, appropriately called "matwork" or performed on an apparatus, called the reformer, which consists of springs providing resistance.
Pilates focuses on strengthening the core. The core supports the spine, improving posture and balance. As a result of the newly strengthened core, the body is well supported in daily activities as well as stronger when engaging in other activities such as running.
Why Pilates for Runners
~Pilates corrects imbalances in the body, thus leading to better alignment.
~Flexibility: Runners tend to have tight quadriceps and hamstrings.
~Strengthens "the powerhouse" (abs, low back, pelvic floor, hip flexors, and glutes)
Photo © A.D.A.M.Pilates Exercises that Benefit Runners
~Bridge (Targets: Glutes, thighs)
~Swimming (Targets: Back, hips, glutes, hamstring, abs)
~Roll-up (Targets: spine & abs)
~Side Kicks (Targets: hips)
*If there is an interest I can write a post about how to perform these exercises...
I have noticed an incredible difference in my running since I started practicing Pilates. The biggest difference I noticed has been in my hips. I now feel muscles I didn't even know I had. It feels as though my hips propel me forwards with each stride. When I do speed work, my legs don't hurt anymore (just my lungs feel like their on fire, but that is a completely different issue!)
Elite runner, Kara Goucher does Pilates twice a week to stay strong. Pilates has the incredible ability to make you leaner, toner, stronger, and faster (source). It also has the additional mind/body connection benefit. What are you waiting for? Give it a shot!
I am off to Pilates class now :)
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4 comments:
i used to do pilates and loved it. now that i'm back at the gym i hope to get back into it. it's so good for us runners!
That looks like exactly what this off balance, unequally stretched and unequally strengthened body needs! Funny, when I first saw your title, I thought it said "Pirates for Runners." In case you're wondering, I started following your blog since you're a teacher (I'm a teacher's assistant in a private school for students with autism and other learning disabilities); you're around my daughter's age (who's also a teacher); you run races with your Dad (as do my daughter and I). Oh, and you're from the east coast. I'm from CT. OK, I'm done explaining myself!
Great post Keri! I have heard many good things about pilates but have yet to incorporate it into my schedule. I tried doing the pilates video in P90X but turned it off after 30 minutes because I was too bored. I am definitely going to have to try it again though after hearing your success and reading your post.
OK, Keri. Now I have to ask. Did you ever hear of High Road Schools/SESI? I work for them in CT. They used to have schools in NJ. Weird coincidence about our jobs. Thanks for the comments and "word." If you know of anyone else who would like to suggest a word or phrase, please point thm in my direction. Thanks!
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