What is Pilates?
Pilates may resemble yoga, at least when it comes to Pilates mat classes, but it’s actually essentially a form of strength training. Rather than focusing on flexibility, it’s important to improve muscle tone. It was originally devised to use a special set of equipment, usually called a reformer or bed. However, there are also many Pilates workouts that can be performed on your mat at home without the need for additional equipment, and these are great for runners who want to strengthen their core muscles and address imbalances that can lead to injury. It is effective for
Unlike yoga, Pilates is also a relatively recent invention, with origins dating back to the 1920s. The inventor Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. He was a sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. However, rather than succumb to his lifelong ill health, he decided to dedicate his life to improving his physical fitness. Introduced to gymnastics and bodybuilding by his father, he soon greatly improved his physique and even posed for photographs and anatomical drawings that showed good muscle development.
Pilates emigrated to England to work as a circus performer and boxer, but was interned along with other Germans during World War I. During this period he developed physical fitness techniques while teaching his fellow internees and working in a hospital on the Isle of Man. There he actually developed the first version of the famous “orthodontic” machine, which attached bed springs to hospital beds to support the limbs of patients who were unable to walk. He then moved to the United States and set up a gym in New York with his wife Clara. There his system became especially popular among dancers.
Today, Pilates classes feature a specific set of exercises tailored to all levels to increase core stability and encourage better posture. Studio classes may still use reformer machines, while other classes will use mats and perhaps additional simple equipment such as stability balls, resistance bands, or even foam rollers.
Why should runners do Pilates?
Runners can greatly benefit from Pilates. Because Pilates makes you a better runner. His 2018 study published in Plos One found that trained runners who participated in a 12-week Pilates course (he did two one-hour sessions per week) significantly improved their 5K times. improved to. Stability and core strength are essential to efficient running technique and injury avoidance. Pilates is particularly good at focusing on the ‘whole’ core, including the lower back. Many runners tend to focus on their abdominal muscles, which only make up part of their core.
Because running is a repetitive motion and the body moves in almost one direction, small muscle or gait imbalances can easily amplify and eventually cause injury. Pilates can be very helpful in identifying and strengthening these weaknesses.
What is the difference between a Mat Pilates class and a Reformer Pilates class?
Both classes work the same muscles, but in slightly different ways. Matwork can be done without any equipment other than some space and a comfortable mat or towel, but some classes may use balls, bands, or rollers, which poses an added challenge. There is a possibility. The Reformer class uses Universal Reformers (see one here). These are frame structures with adjustable springs and pulleys that provide resistance when performing exercises and allow you to train on a symmetrical grid.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Reformer machines and classes can provide particularly effective training in a closed chain environment and are particularly helpful in resolving alignment issues. This is especially helpful for people like runners who have knee problems. Although Pilates is suitable for a variety of activities, there are also certain reformer movements that are specifically focused on running. For example, using an attachment known as a jump board is great for improving your running motion.
When it comes to matwork, the main advantage is of course that it can be performed anytime and anywhere. This can be done either before or after running. It’s also more affordable. Reformer classes can often be more expensive. Simple Pilates accessories used in matwork are widely available for purchase, and there are many great free YouTube tutorials such as Blogilates.
Should I do Pilates before or after running?
Pilates is a low-impact, non-tiring activity, so you can do it whenever you have time without compromising your running. Pilates movements are a great way to warm up, strengthen your muscles, and prepare for your session. Here are some pre-run Pilates moves to help you achieve better form.
Where are the best resources for Pilates?
There are tons of Pilates resources online, many of which are free. The NHS also provides a series of videos. Pilates Anytime is a highly rated paid app/site with a huge library and variety of classes, and they offer a 15-day free trial to see if you want to sign up.
