More than just a trendy workout, Pilates classes offer a powerhouse of strength, flexibility, and injury prevention that can level up any exercise routine. Whether you’re a runner looking to improve your stride, a weightlifter aiming for better core stability or a yogi seeking deeper mind-body connection, Pilates is the perfect foundation. Christine tells us a little more about why you should add Pilates to your wellness routine.
My passion for Pilates stems from a love of movement. Our body is one unit working together holistically to make everyday functions possible.
Pilates classes are designed for everyone at every level, which when combined with other sports or everyday movement, helps create a strong, powerful body and mind.
As a Pilates instructor – I have been privileged to witness how Pilates classes has changed people’s lives, from ice hockey players, cyclists, runners, dancers, rugby players, body builders to the stay-at-home super mom.
Pilates benefits include:
- A low-impact, full body workout
- Injury rehabilitation & recovery
- Assists pregnancy
- Resistance training
- Flexibility, mobility & co-ordination
- Core strength
- Body alignment and posture
Seeing that we have just celebrated another successful Cape Cycle tour – let’s see what an advanced cyclist has to say:
Balance, flexibility, posture, core strength & mindful movement:
Pilates has completely transformed my body awareness on the bike. The focus on spinal flexibility has allowed me to find a more neutral position in the saddle, reducing unnecessary strain while maximizing power transfer. I can now maintain a lower, more aerodynamic position without compromising comfort or breathing capacity.
The flexibility gains from Pilates has been nothing short of amazing. My hamstrings, historically tight from miles of cycling and running, have gradually lengthened, allowing for a more efficient pedal stroke and better hip mobility.
Hip flexor flexibility has been another noticeable improvement. As cyclists, we spend countless hours in hip flexion, which can lead to shortened muscles. Pilates has helped counteract this, giving me greater extension capacity and reducing the anterior pelvic tilt that used to cause lower back pain on longer rides. Improved mobility in my spine and shoulders.
Pilates introduced me to a deeper understanding of core stability, learning to properly engage my abdominal muscle has been transformative. This muscle acts like a natural corset, providing support for the spine during movement. The obliques, often neglected in traditional training, assist in maintaining lateral stability on the bike, especially during climbing or sprinting efforts when the bike naturally wants to rock side to side.
Pilates excels at recruiting smaller, often-neglected stabilizing muscles that conventional workouts miss. These smaller muscles play a crucial role in maintaining proper alignment during endurance activities.
The most visible change has been in my posture. This improved alignment is not just aesthetic, but also functional.
Beyond the physical benefits, Pilates has deepened my mind-body awareness in ways that directly improve athletic performance. The emphasis on precision, control, and focused breathing has improved my body awareness on and off the bike.
So, go ahead and add Pilates classes to your weekly workout routine… I promise your body will love you for it. Book a class on the app in your closest club today. Not yet a member? Join a Virgin Active near you today.
Written by Christine Meurs.