10 Reasons Athletes Should Do Pilates
1.The method was crated by an athlete.
Joseph Pilates was an avid boxer, skier, diver and gymnast.
He developed his exercise system to produce the Greek ideal of a man balanced in mind, body and spirit.
Although exercises can be modified for all ages and abilities, anyone who has tried it knows that low impact does not mean 'easy.' (If it was 'easy,' give it another try - instructors and facilities vary a lot.)
(Read: Pro Athletes Who Use Pilates to Improve Performance)
2. It helped the Cubs win their first World Series in more than a century.
The world's greatest athletes in the world use Pilates to improve athletic performance. Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta credited Pilates for taking his game to the next level leading to the World Series win.
"This is life changing," Arrieta said upon discovering Pilates.
Read the full article about how Pilates turned Arrieta into one of the best pitchers in baseball.
3. Rocky does it. Be like Sly.
(This is Sylvester Stallone at 70 years old, by the way!)
4. You don't have to be flexible to do Pilates, but your flexibility will improve with the practice.
It also improves range of motion, which is why it is a favorite for athletes in rotational sports such as tennis and golf.
5. You'll leave sessions feeling stronger, but also like you just got a massage.
And who doesn't love that?
Pilates lengthens and stretches, and encourages movement of the joints.
You leave Pilates sessions feeling energized and relaxed, not stiff or tired.
6. You'll use muscles you never knew you had.
Pilates will create balance in your body by using all muscles in your body including often neglected stabilizers.
It corrects imbalances from poor posture, incorrect movement patterns, and overuse of some global muscles and underuse of core stabilizers.
7. As little as possible, as much as necessary.
Pilates improves efficiency so that you can perform all daily activities and competitive sports with more ease and improved endurance.
Any marathon runner knows, that getting more output using less energy is a winning combination!
8. Get your head in the game.
Pilates is mentally stimulating, improves concentration, and increases proprioception (your ability to know or sense where your body is in space).
It's a workout for your mind as much as your body.
9. You'll be less likely to get hurt.
Regular practice will not only rehabilitate pain, but can also prevent injuries from occurring in the first place by correcting faulty movement patterns, and improving core stability, balance and coordination.
10. Why not?
You have nothing to lose by giving it a try!
For more information, check out these articles:
"Pilates for Swimmers: Swim with better control and faster times without straining your body" pilates.com
"Pilates and Triathletes" by Robert Kopitzke, PT USACC, pilates.com
"Pilates and Athletes" pilates.com