Pilates and Summer Activities
The weather is getting better and you may have a very big goal this summer, maybe to do a marathon or a triathalon. Or maybe your goal is to lose 10 lbs this summer. While you will be busy training for your event, running, swimming or biking and even weight lifting, don’t forget about how important pilates can be in your regime. Core training like pilates can prevent injuries by helping to stabilize the torso. You might be able to get that from weight lifting but probably not, as the usual training with weights is focused to fatigue a specific muscle group which is good for that muscles group not doesn’t necessarily address the core.. Not that you shouldn’t do weight training if you are doing an intense event like a triathalon. But imagine how much more power you could have if your core is just as strong as those superficial muscles you’ve taken to fatigue. Remember, the core muscles must be worked at low loads in order to achieve endurance. So there’s the second reason to continue your pilates, endurance, you’ll need plenty of that in a triathalon! Another great advantage to pilates is working your legs in a fine and detailed way through the footwork. This can help with preventing injuries due to improper tracking in running and biking. How about those shoulders? Pilates will also address proper movement and strengthen the smaller and much over looked rotator cuff muscles which also need to be worked at low load so they won’t get overpowered by the bigger muscle groups. How many people have you heard complaining about their rotator cuff injury after too much improper swimming technique? Well, you will after the triathalon, so send them our way. If you’re not training for a triathalon but just want to add more cardio to your summer workout, pilates will help you not injure those underused muscles. Although it won’t take away the muscle pain due to the lactic acid build up, commonly known as ARGGG I can’t get out of bed, the next morning. Pilates will help with any sport you want to do, from playing with your kids to soccer. It’s just a good thing to do all year around
Melissa Noble
from Bloomington, IN