Pilates Exercise for sports

At  back in action physiotherapy we offer Pilates classes and individual sessions, reformer sessions and sport specific programs for rehabiliation and performance improvement. For more information on our Pilates at Back in Action please call us on (604) 962 0555 or visit our Pilates page under Services.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient movement.

Core strength is the foundation of Pilates exercise. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement.

As you develop your core strength you develop stability throughout your entire torso. This is one of the ways Pilates helps people overcome back pain and other injuries. As the trunk is properly stabilized, pressure on the back is relieved and the body is able to move freely and efficiently.

One of the best things about the Pilates method is that it works well for a wide range of people. Athletes and dancers love it, as do seniors, women rebounding from pregnancy, and people who are at various stages of physical rehabilitation.

The top benefits of doing of Pilates exercise that people report are that they become stronger, longer, leaner, and more able to move with ease.

Pilates for Cycling

The seated position adopted when riding compromises your spinal alignment quite significantly.  On top of this, there are common pitfalls like repetitive stress on certain muscle groups and the accompanying uneven development of muscles. Cyclists often have highly-developed legs, but often not the same sort of muscle conditioning of the upper body which can become pronounced when fatigue sets in. Regular pilates sessions will help offset time spent in the saddle while helping to improve the efficiency of your riding technique. If your core is stable, your body can devote most of its energy and power into your legs. Additionally, if your flexibility improves your risk of injury is lower and your body can recruit the proper muscle groups more efficiently.

Pilates for cyclist’s focuses on balanced overall strength and flexibility of the rider and development of underused muscles, the perfect cross training! The result is a stronger, more efficient and pain free ride!

Pilates for Skiing and Snowboarding

Not only is skiing and snowboarding physically demanding, the body is often ill prepared (especially at the start of the winter season) for the sudden change in muscles used for both sports. Even if you ski and snowboard all season, your body needs adequate time to prepare for the demands. The biggest physical challenge is to the legs and lower back. If you are a beginner, you may spend a lot of time picking yourself up and work those upper back and arm muscle also. A well balanced pilates routine will strengthen those muscles needed for the sport and develop your core to support correct muscle use so you can ski/snowboard for longer, harder and stronger!!

Pilates helps you to organize your movement from the center out. The result is a stronger and more adaptable skier with improved body awareness and proprioception. By practicing Pilates, you can develop a strong core, improved balance, and agility. A strong core, coupled with improved alignment, will also reduce impact on your back, hips, and knees. As a result, you can becomes energy efficient and reduce wear and tear on your joints. Once this has happened the possibilities for you to become an infinitely stronger and skilled skier or snowboarder are endless.

Pilates for Running

Running is one of the most natural physical activities our bodies are designed for. It is a great exercise to keep in shape, work your heart and lungs and tone your whole body. The main issues that usually arise are due to poor technique which Pilates can help improve. Correct use of your core, posture and breathing are all fantastic training for improving your running.