We are incredibly passionate about how Pilates can help everybody, but especially runners. This is probably because of the high number of running related injuries that can often be prevented or even managed with Pilates. 

Pilates is the perfect complement to running. As little as 2 Pilates sessions per week can be enough to allow you feel the benefits when you’re on the road. So, let’s get straight into why Pilates is so beneficial.

Builds Strength & Stability 

When you’re running, you want as much of your energy as possible being used to drive you forward. Unnecessary movement around the trunk and hips simply makes you less efficient and this is often due to a lack of strength and stability. Pilates works on our deeper, stabilising muscles that give us support when we run to eliminate the unnecessary movement.

We don’t typically train these smaller stabilising muscles in the gym when we do bigger movements. Pilates is one of the most effective ways to work on the smaller, deeper muscles around the core, hips and glutes. The increased strength and stability will mean we can put all of our energy into moving forward, in order to run as efficiently as we can.

Try our Pilates for Runners class

Addresses Imbalances

Any imbalances we have in the body, however small,  can create havoc when we run. This is particularly relevant when we are training for longer distances. For example, if we are weaker around one hip, this can impact the alignment at the hips, down your legs and therefore your landing pattern. This repetitive impact over time can feed into knee, ankle or foot injuries.

Pilates will work on addressing imbalances throughout the body, that we may not even know we had, to try and mitigate injury risk.

TPP's favourite classes to address imbalances

Hip & Glute Focus

Core & Hip Focus

Improves Mobility & Flexibility 

It’s no secret that when we’re running regularly, we need to dedicate more time to stretching to help improve and maintain our mobility and flexibility. Tight muscles get weaker over time (I know, this is mind blowing). Dedicating time to working on mobility and flexibility simply pays off in the long run, pardon the pun! But, there’s no denying it can often feel like a chore! Being able to press play on a guided stretch class, focused on the specific areas runners typically feel tight, might be just the trick to staying on top of your mobility and flexibility. 

While all Pilates classes will work on creating length in the body, we have created recovery and stretch focused classes for those that have a very specific goal.

TPP's favourite Stretch & Recovery classes

30-Minute Sports Stretch

15-Minute Hip Mobility

Recovery Stretch

Reduces Risk of Injury

The repetitive nature of running, especially as you clock up the miles, means even the slightest imbalances or the slightest weakness can impact how your body absorbs forces when you run. If injury prevention and optimising performance is your goal, incorporating Pilates into your weekly routine could be the key to reducing your risk of a repetitive strain injury. Pilates focuses on building strength and stability, it addresses imbalances and improves mobility and flexibility. As we discussed, these are the key to helping you feel your best when you run.

Start your 7 Day Free Trial on The Pilates Programme and start your Pilates journey today. You'll find all of our favourite Pilates for Runners classes here. Every runner and their goals are different so for tailored advice on how to add Pilates to your running training, email info@thepilatesprogramme.ie