Runners run because they love the sport. It’s great cardio. It gets you outside into the fresh air. You make running goals and take on challenges. You can do it alone and even better, in a group. It’s easy to take your running with you on vacation. It can be relaxing. It can be hard. It can be fun. The list goes on and on.
So, you really enjoy running! BUT how you could enjoy it even more? How do I enjoy running even more?
My answer…..PILATES!
So what is it about Pilates that makes running more enjoyable?
Pilates teaches you to focus on your breathing. In your Pilates practice, attention is drawn to how deep you regularly breathe and helps you to work on increasing the amount of air that you are inhaling and exhaling in each breath. Finding a rhythm with your breathing can calm you. It will also help you to recognize where your comfortable pace for building endurance is.
Pilates strengthens the full body, in particular, the core and back. Your posture will be better. Increased strength in the core and back will help to stabilize your spine and pelvis. This is particularly important when you are increasing your mileage. As you fatigue your form will break down, but much less, so the stronger you are. Back strength will help you to improve your arm swing. Moving your arms and legs from a strong core and back will have you to moving forward more efficiently.
The more your practice the Pilates method the more mindful you will become of how you are moving and moving with symmetrically. Two things happen as you work at moving with symmetry: First of all, you will become stronger and more controlled in your movement. Decreasing the differences you have in your body, from one side to the other. Secondly, it will spill over to you becoming more aware of your asymmetries while you are running. As you build awareness you will start to make corrections to the way you move, while you run.
Many Pilates movements provide great stretches and improved mobility. Runners often feel soreness in their legs, feet, hips, and buttocks after runs. Doing a Pilates workout after a run, the same day or the next will help to reduce this soreness and feeling great for your next run.
Run with awareness, control, strength, flexibility, and mobility. Run with Pilates.
Melissa Nagai, of b.PILATES & PERSONAL TRAINING is a distance runner, running everything from 5km races to full marathons, her favourite distance being the 1/2 marathon. She’s a run leader and ambassador for The Sole Experience Running Company in Pitt Meadows where she enjoys helping runners get through their long runs and seeing them achieve their running goals.
Melissa believes that the balance of strength training, running, cycling and of course Pilates has kept her running strong and injury free. YOU CAN TOO! Join in on one of Melissa’s Pilates for Runners Class Series or Workshops.