Why Pilates isn’t just great for athletes

The list of celebrities who do Pilates is almost endless, from Liz Hurley, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Anniston to Hugh Grant and Ian McKellen. But core workouts aren’t just about looking good. Many athletes are also now turning to Pilates in their pursuit of Olympic glory - and taking their abilities to a higher level.

But why Pilates? What makes Pilates so good for core strength? And why is building core strength this way so important for athletes who surely gain strength in their own sport?

Here we look at what makes Pilates not only a great way to build core strength - but a way to prevent injury and look great!

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. He called his method ‘Contrology’, reflecting his belief in the importance of the mind’s control over the body. ‘It is the mind itself which builds the body.

The Pilates Method teaches you to be ‘in control of your body - and not at its mercy.’ Joseph’s original principles and exercises comprise the following: breathing, concentration, control, centering, precision and flow.

There are two types of Pilates exercises. It can be done on a mat or using special equipment with its system of pulleys and springs, handles and straps. The apparatus is used to work on body strength and develop bone density.

How does Pilates help your core strength?

Spine specialists say regular Pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, flexibility, balance and joint mobility. There is enormous evidence that Pilates can provide pain relief to people with lower back pain.

It increases muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks, or so-called core. As a result, your body becomes strong and stable, less prone to injury. In addition, Pilates enhances muscular control of your back and limbs, and improves stabilisation of your spine.

Olympic gold-medalist beach volleyball player, Kelly Walsh-Jennings credits Pilates with helping her to regain her strength after birth.

Can Pilates help after an injury?

Pilates is an excellent workout if you are recovering from an injury or as a part of post-op rehab. British tennis player, Andy Murray turned to Pilates after undergoing back surgery to help him recover in a balanced and positive way. And it may even have helped him secure gold medals in the 2016 Rio Olympics! Since then he has been an outspoken Pilates advocate.

In addition, it is beneficial after hip replacement, managing osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. Pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility.

Your Pilates trained physio will help you recover from injury whilst building a strong, lean and resilient body.

Move it or lose it

It is clear that there are many benefits to be gained from practicing Pilates - including improved endurance, balance, core strengthening, and coordination. If you are serious about sports, it is a great way to prevent injury and can even help you deliver better performance!

We all have core muscles, so we all need to exercise them at any age. Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness.

Kamila Fuczko is the specialist spinal physiotherapist at Physio Remedies and she is a trained Clinical Pilates Instructor. Whilst physiotherapy is hugely beneficial when recovering from back injury, Pilates really compliments this and can be built into your rehabilitation programme.

Get in touch today if you think that Pilates will help you. Kamila will advise you and tailor your workout to your needs.

Words by Kamila Fuczko.