As opposed to traditional Pilates classes which are generally performed in a group setting, Clinical Pilates is conducted on a 1:1 basis with a physiotherapist. This ensures the exercises are performed correctly and minimizes any risk of aggravating injury.
Physiotherapists at Central Performance are qualified to instruct Clinical Pilates and will assess your injuries prior to beginning a session. All private (1:1) Clinical Pilates sessions are eligible for health fund rebates.
1. Increasing Mental Focus
Having the ability to remain focused during intense training sessions and sporting events is vital for athletes, especially when their performance could mean the difference between victory or defeat. Pilates requires a complete focus on breathing, movements and body alignment which can enhance concentration and awareness, helping athletes to stay on top of their game.
As a result of strengthening the smaller stabilising muscles, Pilates also improves balance, coordination and proprioception – the ability to sense the position of the body in space – which are all key elements in sport. Pilates also encourages mindful movement which can lead to a greater understanding of the body and how it moves, giving athletes the knowledge to recognise any imbalances or weaknesses in their performance.
In fact, a study found that incorporating Pilates into a running programme can shave seconds off the time it takes to run 5km! This is a huge improvement for runners and highlights the importance of adding strength and flexibility exercises into an athlete’s training regime.
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, adding pilates Rosanna to your regular workouts can help take your sport to the next level. By promoting core strength, flexibility and body awareness, Pilates is increasingly becoming a secret weapon for athletes around the world. So, why not give it a go and see the benefits for yourself?
2. Strengthening the Core
Whether you are a marathon runner or a casual sports player, having a strong core is essential for preventing injuries and improving athletic performance, especially when seeking professional care like osteo Watsonia. The core muscles, including the abdominal and pelvic muscles, help stabilize your body and transfer power from the upper to lower limbs during movement. A strong core also helps prevent certain muscles from overworking to compensate for weak ones, which can lead to injury and fatigue.
Pilates, which is often incorporated into athletic training programs, provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen the core muscles. The controlled, low-impact nature of the exercises enables the muscles to be strengthened without putting excessive stress on joints. In addition, the emphasis on correct posture and alignment in a Pilates session reduces back pain risk and helps to improve overall balance.
In a recent study, researchers found that runners who took part in a regular Pilates programme experienced improvements in their running economy and biomechanics. This was achieved by enhancing the strength of the core muscles, which improved their ability to generate and transfer force.
Increasing the amount of time spent on strengthening the core can significantly improve athletic performance, especially in weight-bearing activities such as running and jumping. Having a strong core allows the muscles in the abdomen, pelvis, and back to take on more energy and perform better during exercise. It also helps to promote good running posture and reduce the likelihood of injuries caused by poor alignment.
2. Increasing Flexibility
One of the key reasons why runners often benefit from Clinical Pilates is because of its emphasis on increasing flexibility. Physiotherapists with training in Clinical Pilates use a detailed evaluation to pinpoint runners’ imbalances, pain and areas that need work, then prepare a focused strategy for improving these areas and overall running performance.
Flexibility plays a crucial role in various sports movements, including kicking, sprinting and quick changes of direction. Tight muscles can reduce agility, speed and power, so it’s important that athletes take time to stretch and train their flexibility.
Increasing flexibility also helps with injury prevention, as the body will treat poor posture and repetitive movements that decrease or antagonize its normal movement or elasticity as a potential injury. This will trigger inflammation, and as a result, the muscles will tighten to protect the area and increase muscle adhesions. Continuing this pattern increases the likelihood of future injuries and impedes healing.
Moreover, Pilates increases body awareness. This is particularly helpful for athletes preparing to take part in high-pressure or major sporting events, as it allows them to keep their focus on their breathing and movement patterns and reduce the likelihood of making a mistake that could derail their performance. By strengthening core and stabilising muscles, Pilates also improves balance and proprioception (the body’s ability to sense its position in space). Athletes who incorporate regular Pilates training can enjoy greater stability, a lower risk of falling and an improved ability to control their bodies.
4. Reducing Injury Risk
Unlike using a brace for an ankle injury, Pilates looks at how all the body parts work together and how each one affects the other. This helps reduce muscular imbalances which are a primary cause of sports injuries. Rectifying this imbalance is the first step towards injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Increasing flexibility is also a key benefit of Clinical Pilates. This enables runners to move more efficiently, reducing muscle tension and lowering the risk of injury. A physiotherapist trained in Clinical Pilates can also assess and adjust a runner’s running technique, correcting little details like overstriding or poor foot positioning that can increase risk of injury.
Clinical Pilates incorporates the use of breathing techniques, promoting better respiratory function. In addition, the focus on precision and control within Clinical Pilates increases coordination and leads to firmer and flatter stomach muscles.
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting out, Pilates is a fantastic addition to your training regime. With a personalised program that is unique to your needs, a physiotherapist trained in Clinical Pilates can help you improve both your physical and mental wellbeing. Get in touch to find out more about adding Pilates to your routine.
