The popularity of Reformer Pilates has soared over recent years. Rain or shine, it offers a consistent physical challenge and is easily tailored to personal fitness levels and goals. What many participants do not know however is the origins of Pilates, tracking all the way back to the Joseph Pilates who first began practicing the exercise method in the 20th century.
Pilates, a man dedicated to understanding movement and physical fitness began developing what we now know as Reformer by using springs attached to hospital beds to rehabilitate injured soldiers around the time of the first world war.
Fast forward to today, Pilates studios are well known for their inviting atmosphere, colourful grip socks and the promise of an oat latte with friends to follow. Despite these modern inclusions, the essence of Pilates classes still honour Joseph Pilates' original principles of concentration, control and centring.
So why do I consistently recommend my running patients (and friends) to add Reformer into their weekly mileage - Let's explore the benefits.
1. IMPROVE CORE STABILITY TO ENHANCE RUNNING MECHANICS.
Core stability, especially anti-rotational stability, plays a crucial role in running technique. Strengthening the trunk and hips to resist rotational forces improves your ability to transfer power effectively through your lower body, enhancing overall running form. For my runners, my go-to reformer exercises include movements like full body stretches, Palloff rotations, and modified bird dogs (pictured).
2. BOOST GLUTE STRENGTH AND IMPROVE SINGLE LEG STANCE CONTROL.
The hip and pelvis are pivotal for force production and absorption in good running mechanics, especially during the stance phase. The best approach I find with my clients is to first learn to activate the appropriate glute muscles in side-lying positions, before progressing onto standing positions which are far more running specific. During single leg standing exercises we are able to identify and correct issues with pelvic control, train better hip knee angles, and build overall glute strength. As an added benefit, training these exercises in your grippy socks enhances intrinsic foot muscle strength too.
3. MANAGE LOAD AND SUSTAIN ACTIVITY LEVELS.
For runners managing niggles or minor injuries, Reformer Pilates offers a valuable option to modify joint loading while sustaining physical activity. If you are a runner, or know a runner - you know that the absolute last thing you want to be told is to stop training. At Strides, we never like to take people away from the activities they love - therefore, reformer is a way for our athletes to continue moving and address obvious biomechanics issues - without prolonging the duration of their injury.
So - as a Physiotherapist and Run Coach I wholeheartedly vote for incorporating Reformer Pilates into your routine. It not only will compliment your run training, but it also promotes injury prevention and recovery.
Interested in running specific Reformer classes? Book your complimentary FREE initial reformer assessment to maximise the benefit of reformer training for YOU.
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