How Often Should Athletes Do Pilates and why?

WRITTEN BY: Bethany Tapp, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, STOTT Pilates Instructor

Do you consider yourself an athlete? Are you working towards any specific sports performance goal?

Then you’re athlete!

Pilates is an excellent form of cross training for athletes. Many professional athletes even incorporate Pilates into their weekly workout routine today such as MLB players, pro distance runners and triathletes, and NBA players- including Lebron James!

If you’re an athlete, it’s recommended you do at least 1-2 Pilates workouts each week! You must take into consideration how many hours per week you are already designating to your respective sport activity and go from there. If you’re an injured athlete, it’s recommended you do 2-3 Pilates workouts per week and this can fit well with your weekly workout routine as you’re most likely spending less time on your specific sport activity during recovery. In the off season of your sport, you can easily bump the number of Pilates workouts you complete to 3-4 each week. As with normal performance training, you will have various seasons throughout the year and you can definitely make time to fit in a Pilates workout, or four!

If you have never done Pilates before, Pilates is an excellent full body workout that helps to increase strength and flexibility so that your body is in proper alignment. Pilates is a type of workout that allows you to work through full range of motion so that all joints can move and improve their proper range of motion. Pilates allows you to work through different planes of motion so you are not simply completing the same repetitive movements you would do on the road, court, or field. By working in different planes of motion, you are more likely to prevent injuries, which helps you to perform at a high level for a longer duration. No one wants to sit on the sidelines while the season continues!

In addition, Pilates helps you build a strong core by working deep stabilizing muscles in your body. The stronger your core, the better your biomechanics are for running, jumping, and throwing, among others. This ultimately leads to improved performance!

Pilates can be done on the Mat or with a Pilates machine such as the Reformer, Cadillac, or Chair. Pilates Mat work is known to be the most challenging way to practice Pilates as you use your own bodyweight and small props to complete the workout.

In summary, there are many benefits to Pilates for Athletes:
-Prevents injuries
-Builds up deep stabilizing muscles in the core for better movement control
-Allows you to work through different ranges of motion so your muscles are better balanced throughout
your entire body
-A lower intensity workout so you can work your muscles and joints without a lot of pounding
-Can boost performance

If you’re interested in trying a Pilates workout for your first time with MotivateU, you can do Private Pilates, Level 1 Pilates in the group setting, and Pilates On-Demand! Take the first step and schedule a Pilates workout today and watch your performance soar to new levels!

If you have a question or comment please leave it below and someone from the team will be sure to get back to you!

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