HOW PILATES HELPS RUNNERS

Running is a repetitive, intense activity that can put our joints under a lot of stress if we have postural or muscle imbalances. Pilates enables us to improve these imbalances through repetitive, low impact exercises where you can concentrate on perfecting alignment and movement patterns.
Pilates improves mobility and strength, especially around the hips which enables a more fluid running technique to be achieved. HOUSE OF SCULPT online Pilates classes are a great addition for runners to aid with injury prevention and master their technique. 

CORRECT IMBALANCES

Pilates is the best way to correct muscle imbalances in runners. While running places a high load on our joints, it does little to strengthen or stabilize muscles and connective tissue that are needed to support them. This results in some muscle groups becoming overactive (thighs, hip flexors) while others become underactive (glutes, lower back). HOUSE OF SCULPT Pilates classes strengthen the glutes as well as mobilise the hips to create a more well balanced body.

IMPROVE POSTURE

By incorporating Pilates into your exercise routine, you can improve postural alignment and overall posture and strength. HOUSE OF SCULPT Pilates classes enhance spinal and scapular flexibility as well as strengthening the muscles in both the upper and lower back to support the spine. Strengthening and mobilising the spine with HOUSE OF SCULPT Pilates classes will help prevent future injuries as well as strengthen problem areas that may have caused injuries in the past.

BUILD STRENGTH & REDUCE INJURY

Runners put a lot of stress on their ankles, calves, and feet. HOUSE OF SCULPT Pilates classes activate your leg muscles in ways that you don’t achieve through running alone, which makes them an excellent complement to your running routine. By making these HOUSE OF SCULPT exercises a regular part of your workouts, you can build strength and endurance in those areas where even professional athletes have trouble reaching.
Runners can be susceptible to injury if they’re not conditioned to handle the repetitive nature of the movement. With pilates, you have a chance to strengthen your entire body without putting an undue amount of pressure on your joints. Strengthening everything from your core muscles to your glutes can help protect your joints during intense activity like long-distance running.

IMPROVE RUNNING TECHNIQUE

For example, if you have tight hip flexors and do not have enough abdominal strength to stabilise your pelvis and core during running, your lower back will arch which leads to poor running form. If you have high arches in your feet, over-pronation of your feet can cause pain or knee injuries when running. These are just a few of many common postural or muscle imbalances that can lead to aches and pains while running, but can be addressed through regular Pilates practice.