View our Pilates Ab Work for Runners video

Pilates increases flexibility – Increased flexibility in the external rotators of the hip can prevent ware and tear on the knees and the hips, increased hamstring and hip flexor flexibility can prevent hamstring strains and can also increase the length of each individual stride. Increased flexibility in the abdomen and chest will improve posture on up hill parts of the course. Pilates improves posture – good posture is important in any stride. Rounded shoulders create more weight towards the front of the body and make it harder for the pelvis to propel the body forward Pilates improves functional strength – Increased flexibility in the external rotators of the hip can prevent ware and tear on the knees and the hips, increased hamstring and hip flexor flexibility can prevent hamstring strains and can also increase the length of each individual stride. Increased flexibility in the abdomen and chest will improve posture on up hill parts of the course. Pilates balances the body – heel pain, low back pain, knee pain, hip pain can all be caused by running, yet running is one of the best cardiovascular exercises out there. It brings joy to so many people and the pain that it sometimes causes can be prevented. For instance back pain is often caused by an imbalance between the hip flexors and the hamstrings and external rotators. Often the hip flexors are short in comparison to the hamstrings or vice versa. This sets the pelvis at a disadvantageous position. That can cause compression in the low spine, or instability at the sacroiliac joint. A workout designed by a Pilates instructor can correct these imbalances and thus rehabilitate or prevent injury.