Support your Running: The power of Pilates

Many of us have taken on the couch to 5k challenge for 2014.  Although optimum fitness is on most of our minds, these stormy weather conditions are slowing down progress.  Developing a pilates practice is a great way to keep muscles strong and supple to assist your running regime.  It will keep you focused and motivated on your 5k goal and perfect to practice at home on the days that are just too challenging.

Pilates exercises help activate lazy muscles, lengthen tight muscles, enhance breathing techniques and focus.

• A good practice allows us to build up the back muscles evenly
• Elongate and align the spine for better stability
• Expand the diaphragm
• Increase overall flexibility, strength, and balance
• Increase range of motion in hips and shoulders
• Enhance concentration through focused breathing
• Provide more upright running
• Help bodies recover faster from injuries

A weekly practice has many benefits

There are many ways Pilates can boost performance. Here are some of them:

• Run more efficiently uphill with a stabilized musculature
• Run more efficiently downhill with a stronger and more balanced sciatic area
• Experience less tightening of the neck, head and shoulders
• Increase oxygenation and stamina with a diaphragm that is able to fully expand
• Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
• Shave seconds off your times because you move more efficiently
• Run without pain!

If your new to the power of pilates watch this clip with 10 mat pilates exercises that are recommended for runners.  If you would like to develop your own practice, we recommend taking a foundation course to ground you in the techniques to assist your running most effectively.  Good luck with your 5k challenge.