Pilates for Runners

You have probably heard the following things about Pilates: It tones your body, it gives you longer leaner muscles, it strengthens your core, movie stars do it, etc. Yes, Pilates does all those things BUT did you know that it is one of the most common and effective ways to cross train your body? Did you know that a healthy strong back is as important to running as strong legs?

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Pilates can and will:

Improve your running form
Increase flexibility
Improve breathing by strengthening your diaphragm (this helps you breath easier for longer periods of time: in other words, run longer with less effort in your lungs)
Strengthen your lower back (essential to a balanced stride)
Help prevent injuries
Provide low impact muscle isolation ideal for “off” days
Provide all over body toning

Pilates is a great way for runners to get better form and look good doing it!

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

“Pilates aims to increase flexibility, strengthen the core, and improve breathing. “I try and do Pilates twice a week,” says 2004 Olympic marathoner Colleen de Ruek. “It stretches my intercostal muscles and lengthens my spine which helps my breathing and running.” – From Runners World Magazine

Resource Link: Health & Running

Ab Series of Five: Flat Abs Fast!

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Christine Krauth

If you have ever taken a Pilates class chances are you have done the Ab Series of Five. It is a series of 5 movements done to times each. This is a quick “how to” so that you can do them at home. Try and do them in quick succession without starts or stops. Remember to apply the six Pilates Principles to every movement to get the best results.

1) Single Leg Stretch ( beginner,intermediate and advanced strength levels)

Lie on your back with your knees folded into your chest.
Engage your abdominals and curl your head up bringing your gaze to your belly
Place your right hand on your right ankle and your left hand on your right knee (think: outside hand on your ankle!)
Stretch your left leg straight away from your body. Start with your leg straight up from your hip to the ceiling. Slowly lower it down only as far as you can maintaining abdominal control. Hold this position.
Switch legs; holding onto your left ankle with your left hand, your right hand on your knee and your right leg out long and straight.
As you get the hang of this position, you can speed up the movement.
Do this 10 times.

Watch out for:

Don’t let your body rock side to side as you switch legs.
Neck tension. This means you are lifting your head with neck muscles, not abdominal muscles.

Continue reading →

SimpleLifeMovement

As a Pilates instructor I believe that the best and most effective movement should be simple; it should facilitate your body and work with your lifestyle to make you move and feel better.