Is Pilates Good for Runners?
As a runner, quite a few considerations go into your training. Like the weekly mileage you want to cover, getting your nutrition right and supporting your cardio with strength. So it’s not much of a surprise if you’ve not thought about adding Pilates into your running mix.
The thing is, Pilates is one of the best cross-training exercises for runners. Here’s why.
Is Pilates good for runners?
In a word: yes.
Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates are both brilliant ways of cross-training, especially if you run regularly. While it’s a low-impact sport that often seems gentle, the truth is far from it. Ever heard of the Pilates burn? Yeah, it’s real. And you’ll often feel it in muscles you didn’t even know you had.
You might already know how low-impact exercises can help runners on recovery days. But the benefits of Pilates go beyond that. This is a strength training workout which can help you become a faster runner with fewer injuries.
What is Pilates?
It might look like yoga, but it’s pretty different. Sure, there’s the focus on the breath and mind-body connection, but Pilates is largely focused on creating stability and mobility alongside strength. It’s concerned with building muscle in your core and helping you gain control over your trunk area.
How can Pilates help with running injuries?
There are quite a few ways that Pilates can help runners sprint away from injuries. One of them is by correcting muscle imbalances. Running is a repetitive motion, which means the same muscles are performing the same actions time after time. This can lead to overuse, which can eventually cause injuries from fatigued muscles.
Typically, tight muscles are often muscles which are weak. So strengthening them, alongside providing a good dose of flexibility and mobility, helps you to get the most from your running and also feel your best.
Pilates uses a lot of single leg and single side work, which helps to strengthen your muscles equally. It also loads muscles with weight when they are lengthened, which helps you get better at joint control and alignment, the more that you practice.
And if you’ve ever been to a Pilates class or even heard from someone who has, you’ll know it’s hard work. That can actually help your muscular endurance on your runs since you’re practising using your muscles through fatigue.
How else can Pilates improve your running?
Since Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates are considered strength training exercises, there is a big focus on building the muscles in your core, glutes, lower and upper back and pelvic area. When you do this, and as you get stronger, you’re able to drive a lot more power through your lower limbs since you can transfer the force more effectively. This makes your running more efficient, helps with better running economy and running speed.
Another lesser-thought-of benefit is that Pilates unites movement with breath. This makes you more conscious of your breathing, which can actually help you with breath control when you run.
How often should runners do Pilates?
To see the full benefits of Pilates, consistency is most important. We recommend adding between 1 - 3 Pilates sessions into your training plan per week. They can be done on your training days and also swapped into cover one of your strength training sessions.
Ready to give Pilates a try? You’ll find Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates on the timetable at most Virgin Active clubs. Or use your multi-access to try a class somewhere new. You won’t regret it.
Ready for your next workout? Check out all the group exercise classes available at Virgin Active.
Not yet a member? Find your nearest club and start your membership today.
Sources:
