5 Reasons Runners Should Do Pilates

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I love to run. That’s why when I was sidelined from a running-related injury, I was devastated! The injury was made worse because I hadn’t followed my own advice that runners should do Pilates. I let my practice slip, and I almost had to quit running. If you’re a runner, you get it. Running is your outlet! It’s how you reduce stress, clear your mind, be with friends, and get outside. Since I’ve recuperated from my injury, I’m doubly committed to doing Pilates so I can keep running for years to come. 

Why Runners Should Do Pilates

Pilates may seem slow paced and even easy when you initially get started… It can also feel very difficult in the beginning. Confused yet? Pilates works your whole body in the areas of strength, flexibility, and mobility. How hard or easy each exercise is will depend on where you’re at in those areas, the awareness you have of how you move, and what imbalances you have that may be restricting you. 

Everyone has imbalances, but some are more dramatic than others. It’s these types of imbalances that led to my running injury (plantar fasciitis) and what can sideline you from your favourite activity, too. 

Below are five reasons runners should do Pilates to avoid injury and also improve their runs. 

  1. Breathe Better. Pilates will help you build a stronger core (this includes abs, glutes and your pelvic floor muscles). When your core is strong, your posture improves. While running, those with a weak core will feel their posture “fail”, causing them to breathe less efficiently. But when you have a strong core, you can stay upright and take the deep breaths you need. 
  2. Gain Power. Another benefit of having a strong core has more to do with the glutes. Strong glutes help to power you forward. First by aiding your leg to extend behind you and second to push off of the ground to drive you forward. You will run with more power, strength and speed. Also, having strong glutes can help give you more spring in your step and less drop into the feet, and therefore less potential for injuries or tightness caused by overworked or overstressed calves or quads.  
  3. Stay Balanced. Core and glute strength also helps you with your balance. You don’t always realize it, but as you run you balance on one foot and then the other. Being stronger will help you with that balance.
  4. Avoid Repetitive Movement Injuries. Pilates does a lot of foot and ankle mobility movements. When your feet can move through their full range of motion, you’ll have more power and help you avoid repetitive movement injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints. 
  5. Stay Loose. Runners tend to have tight calves and hamstrings. Not only is that uncomfortable, but that tightness affects the muscles connected to those areas. This can lead to pain in the lower back, knees, and even ankles. Pilates will help to stretch your body and relieve that tightness. 

Adding Pilates to your routine can be done in as little as ten minutes a day, though I often end up doing more because of how great it makes me feel. 

Run longer and stronger. Run faster or further. Run pain free with Pilates.