Using Pilates to Train in the Winter

For even the most avid runners, once the temperatures drop it can be tough to get out there and hit the trail. If cold weather makes you more likely to put on slippers rather than running shoes, it’s important to keep up a training regime so you can get back on track come spring.

One of the best ways to train for running in the winter is with pilates. Pilates can help transform your body and improve your strength and mobility. Regular pilates practice can help you maintain proper stride length and assist with injury prevention.

There’s a great number of benefits to pilates for runners, so get on your mat and join us!

  1. Strengthens Your Core

    Strengthening your core is a great way to become a better runner, and is a main benefit of pilates. Strong abdominal muscles help with your arm swing, leg position, and foot strike. Having a stronger core also improves your posture so you can keep good running form mile after mile.

  2. Helps Control Your Breathing

    Many pilates moves encourage deep breathing in difficult movements. Getting accustomed to controlled breathing in pilates can help you breathe more evenly on sprints and long runs.

  3. Reduces Risk of Injury

    Many common running injuries occur because of weakness or imbalance in the hips (including IT-band syndrome). Regular pilates practice increases strength and mobility in your hips, quads, and glutes, resulting in decreased risk of injury.

    The core work and improved posture also encourages a longer stride and better form.

  4. Reduces Lower Back Pain

    If chronic back pain keeps you from running, pilates can help. A recent study in JOSPT revealed that regular practices of pilates and other strengthening exercises for 3-9 weeks helped reduce patients’ back pain.

  5. Can Be Done With or Without Equipment

    For quick core and hip strengthening, pilates can easily be done at home from numerous online videos and workout programs. All you need is your body and a mat for most programs!

    However, to see results more quickly, you may want to try a reformer. Oregon Running Clinic has a pilates reformer and Dr. Davis is a certified trainer, so you can pinpoint which muscles most need strengthening.

Interested in giving pilates a try? Contact us today to learn more about our one-on-one reformer sessions to keep you in-shape all winter long.

Charlotte Spangler