Running is great cardiovascular exercise that helps keep you fit and healthy a while also being great for your mental health. No matter what kind of day you’ve had you’ll always feel brilliant after a run.
So why is reformer pilates ideal for runners?
Running is a very repetitive impact exercise, using the same muscle over and over again. So if you have any muscle imbalances or if these muscles are weak and tight this will turn into poor running form and lead to aches and pains down the road, or worse, an injury.
I have always loved running, but since using the reformer I have become a better faster and stronger runner and, because of my vast experience and knowledge here at Evolve, we have a lot of runners ranging from weekend joggers to ultramarathon runners, coming to improve their running techniques, and here’s why.
Full body workout
Reformer pilates is a full body conditioning routine designed to increase physical endurance. We really focus on the “rear chain”, the lower back, glutes and hamstrings, which are all vital for running. Strengthening these muscles particularly will help you improve your speed and help you run for longer distances.
Improves core strength
Core stability is essential for running technique. When the core (abdominals and glutes) strength increases this improves your posture and helps running technique and also helps to prevent injuries
Loosens hip flexors
Lots of runners suffer with tight hip flexors which lead to short stride length, lower back pain and poor posture. The reformer is excellent for getting in a good stretch. This will help you recover from runs and make your muscle more supple, again, helping to prevent injury but also improving stride length.
Extra Benefits
Reformer also has some added benefits such as improving your balance, overall mobility and alignment. Each of these will improve your running technique, help keep you injury free and keep your muscles and joints in good condition.
As the evenings will be getting longer and people will signing up to races very soon for the summer. Here are my few basic tips if you’re new or getting back into running
- Do not ignore strength / flexibility work
- Listen to your body especially when you need to rest
- Warm up properly / cool down properly
- Build up your mileage slowly be patience
- Run at your own pace
- Proper footwear is vital choose wisely
- Bring water sip away during the run
- Do reformer pilates to book a class click here and keep eye out for one of our new workshops coming soon to Evolve
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