Pilates Bootcamp 2.0 – A Runner’s Perspective
We are only halfway through Pilates Bootcamp 2.0, and we are having so much fun! This time around, I have several participants who are part of the Run Club that I lead.
I’m really enjoying their feedback about Pilates; especially since they are already physically active. Some things that I am hearing from them are:
- I thought I was in shape.
- I knew I wasn’t flexible, but now I know how bad it is!
- It’s harder than I thought – I really can’t do some of those exercises.
- I’m so tight, but I feel way better afterwards.
- You’ve been telling us for years that Pilates would help, I just never did it. I’m so glad I am trying it!
My Replies?
I Thought I Was in Shape
Don’t be so hard on yourself! Many runners can run further than most people can walk – you are not out of shape or in “bad shape”. What’s happened is that you aren’t doing a balance of activities to keep your body strong, mobile, and flexible to go along with your passion for running.
Running uses your body in one repetitive way that it has become used to. Pilates is new! Your body needs to move efficiently with strength to keep those running aches and injuries from rearing their ugly heads. Pilates will help keep you doing the thing (running!) that you love.
I Knew I Wasn’t Flexible, But… WOW
Pilates will show you your limitations in both flexibility and mobility, which are often confused for each other. There is no need to wait to become flexible to do Pilates, it will help you move better in all ways – even after just one week of Pilates Bootcamp!
It’s Harder Than I Thought
Yes, Pilates is hard – and shhh! It only gets harder. The more you practice Pilates and learn to move efficiently with awareness, you will start to use more of your muscles for each exercise. In a way, this makes the exercises easier and harder at the same time. If you know, you know!
I hear clients say it all the time: “Why is this getting harder?”
That is why we call it a “practice”: we practice consistency and awareness in how we are moving. And it all comes with time!
I’m Tight But Feel Better Afterwards
A side effect of a good workout will be some tightness, and Pilates can help relieve some of that. Last night, I got down on my bedroom floor and did my mat workout. I had done a 9km run that morning, and the first roll up and roll over I did on the mat was feeling restricted. After a few repetitions, I was moving more smoothly.
I know that if I hadn’t done Pilates at night, I’d have woken up this morning and limped down the stairs. It would have taken me some time to “relax” and work out the kinks from the previous day’s run. But thanks to Pilates, I woke up feeling great with no tightness.
I’m So Glad I Am Trying Pilates!
Yes, I DO tell everyone that I will help them to feel better through Pilates. Why? Because it helps me, and I’ve seen it help so many others over the years. For me, it was the missing puzzle piece in taking care of my body.
Since I started practicing Pilates, I have become so much more aware of my imbalances in strength and mobility. I learned that the exercises I found hardest (and hated the most) were the ones my body needed. Sure, I may make Pilates look easy – but it isn’t! It still challenges me every day. And when I skip out on my practice for too long, I start to feel it and regret it, because injuries begin to reappear. I hate being in pain, and I know that Pilates and strength training together keep pushing me forward in my running.
The Benefits of Pilates for Runners
As both a runner and a Pilates instructor, I know that Pilates is essential to my running training. I regularly hold a “Pilates for Runners” series, with the next one coming soon! But if you are eager to incorporate Pilates into your running routine once Pilates Bootcamp 2.0 is finished, try the Sweat with Melissa App, or join me in the studio (Zoom mat classes available).
Read more about how Pilates is a runner’s best friend:
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