Pilates for Sport
"Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work" - Joseph Pilates

 

Every sport will benefit from cross training with a Pilates program. Pilates produces better core strength, fine motor control, breathing and balance. It can help you to improve your play and avoid pain or injury. 

 

Athletes like Tiger Woods (PGA), Donavan McNabb (NFL), Jason Kidd (NBA), and Curt Schilling (MLB) have used Pilates to improve performance and prevent or recover from injury.

Running
Whether you are a recreational jogger or a marathon runner, you use the same muscles to move forward, all in one plane of movement. The other planes are not engaged, creating an imbalance in your body. For example, a runner may have great leg strength, but tightness in the hips with low back or knee pain. Pilates will improve your flexibility and allow you to move forward freely, without pain. It teaches your body to move gracefully, with the least amount of effort. You will run tall and your movement will be economical and light.
 

Racket Sports
Racket sports are by their nature one-sided. One hand and arm dominate. That creates stress on your body and produces an asymmetrical structure that is more susceptible to injury. Your Pilates program will develop your body more uniformly to overcome the one sidedness of the sport. If will help you to generate power in your swing by addressing core strength and flexibility through the shoulders and back. 

Pilates for Rehabilitation
Pilates addresses the support structure of your body. Unlike most gym programs, it specifically addresses individual muscles in the context of your whole body. It improves your awareness, conditioning and connection to your muscles.

Many injuries arise from imbalances in your body. For example, weak hamstrings do not support the lower back leading to back strain and pain. Your knee needs to be supported by all of the muscles around it, not just your quads. Tight quads can actually pull your knee out of alignment and put you at risk for pain and serious injury.

Equestrian Riders
Your Pilates program will develop core strength, self-awareness and control of body movement that are essential elements of a great seat. Pilates will reward you with improved balance and coordination and an ability to follow your horse’s movement. Your horse will feel better and you will be equipped to influence your horse in a positive way.
 

Golf
The golf swing is a complex, one sided movement. It puts unique stresses on your body. A good swing requires flexibility, strength, and speed generated from a host of muscles that are often tight and weak. Pilates exercises address mental concentration, breathing, fluid movement, core strength and control of fine muscles. The result is greater control over your swing and fewer golf related injuries.

Skiing and Snowboarding
The core strength and flexibility you develop through your Pilates program will help weekend warriors to survive and enjoy their limited time on the slopes! For advanced skiers, Pilates addresses both core muscles and fine motor control to help maintain balance over challenging terrain. 

Some common conditions that Pilates can help:
· Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciitis / Shoulder Pain or Immobility / Knee Pain
· Chronic Neck and Back Pain / Sciatica and Sacroiliac Joint Problems