Pilates in the Off Season

If you play a sport, or are the parent of an athlete or dancer allow me to take a moment of your time to discuss the benefits of Pilates training.

Of course Pilates is core strength and conditioning, and we all know that a strong core is vital to athletic performance.

A strong core provides:

•  the base from which explosive power and agility can spring
• control in the air or upon a moving or unstable surface
• the base from which a powerful throw, swing, or kick can be anchored

Think about cracking a whip - in order to create power, the whip must be anchored to a strong, stable handle. 

Core strength and conditioning would certainly improve the performance of any athlete or dancer but Pilates is more than core strength and conditioning. 

With Pilates we can also optimize joint and spine movement.   

What does that mean exactly?

Here are a few examples ... 

For a dancer we'd assess and strengthen :

• foot strength, articulation, stability
• knee tracking and stability
• hip range of motion - stability of the spine against a dancer's great flexibility and range of motion at the hip
• even extension (backbend) of the spine - ensuring the dancer takes an even backbend - decreasing compression of the lumbar spine (low back)
• Shoulder girdle stability - stabilize the shoulder girdle to maximize range of motion at the shoulder without strain 

For a swinging or throwing athlete we'd work on:

• Core strength and stability - Remember that whip analogy? A stable spine creates the "handle" so the arm(s) can swing powerfully,
• Shoulder girdle strength and stability - promoting full, healthy range of motion at the shoulder
• Proper shoulder movement, patterning, and mechanics

For a running athlete we'd check out:

• Knee, hip, ankle mechanics, patterning and alignment 
• Stability and balance to help avoid injury
• Cross training to improve speed, agility and endurance 

See what I mean? Pilates is an intelligent exercise method with programming to suit the needs and improve the performance of any athlete.

So why not exercise smart this off season? Enter next season stronger, more balanced, and less prone to injury.