Running is one of the fastest growing activities in the world, and it seems like every second person you speak to has joined a run club in the past couple of years.
As anyone who has pulled on their runners to pound the pavement will be aware, running is a full body workout. You’ll feel it all the way from the tips of your toes (looking at you, marathon runners!) to the crown of your head, with the mental resilience that keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.
How can Pilates help with running?
Whether you’re training for your 12th marathon, or stepping out for your first 5kms, adding Pilates into your routine can help you become a better runner.
By increasing the awareness of your own body, Pilates can have a positive impact on other training. Taking the time to notice where your knee is tracking in a lunge and finding the right alignment. Knowing how to use the muscles in your glutes as you press off the pavement. Understanding how to use your breath to support your efforts. All of this can improve your running technique.
How to run better with Pilates
Your glutes are your powerhouse for running. Pilates, with its emphasis on strengthening the glutes and core, can be a gamechanger for conditioning your muscles to support injury prevention and facilitate faster recovery. The practice can also increase muscle flexibility through stretches and movements that promote a feeling of lengthening through the body.
Breath awareness is another staple in your Pilates practice, with the focus on breathing deep and wide into your ribcage and using your exhale to support exertion or effort. This awareness of breath to support movement can improve performance and longevity in running.
A 35-Minute Pilates workout to improve your running
If you’re looking for Pilates exercises that will complement your running program, try this 35 minute workout, focused on strength, balance and alignment.
With heated Pilates, yoga and reformer under one roof, and classes open to all levels, CorePlus has a movement style for everyone. Studios are judgement-free spaces, every class is instructor led, and members move to feel good. With studios in Greater Melbourne and Brisbane, and more locations coming soon, you’ll find a movement community like no other.
