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Pilates For Running
Run faster and farther with less chance of injury.
Whether you’re a competitive runner or weekend jogger trying to shed a few pounds, there’s no doubt that running is an easy way to keep in great cardiovascular shape. But your body can take a beating - this is especially true if it develops asymmetries.
Body asymmetries develop because of poor body mechanics, causing certain muscles to become overused (a common trait in runners), while others become underused. This can result in a variety of ailments from lower back pain to hip bursitis to arterior knee problems.
It can also lead to a wide variety of tears, strains and pulls.
Why Pilates?
Pilates exercises create a stronger, more flexible spine and core, and also promotes faster recovery from strains or injuries.
For a runner, posture is one of the key ingredients to success. And posture is very dependent on a strong core. Pilates develops a strong core by supporting and strengthening the muscles of the torso, hips shoulders and pelvis. These can eventually lead to a huge positive difference in your posture, technique, balance and stability. It enables you to focus on where your head and neck are in relation to the spine and pelvis, on down through the legs and toes. This all adds up to more efficient movement and less chance of injury.
Pilates exercises will:
- Build up the back muscles evenly
- Elongate and align the spine for better stability
- Expand the diaphragm
- Increase overall flexibility, strength, and balance
- Increase range of motion in hips and shoulders
- Enhance concentration through focused breathing
- Provide more upright running
- Help bodies recover faster from injuries
Performance Benefits
A stronger and more stable core helps a runner:
- Run more efficiently uphill with a stabilized musculature
- Run more efficiently downhill with a stronger and more balanced sciatic area
- Experience less tightening of the neck, head and shoulders
- Increase oxygenation and stamina with a diaphragm that is able to fully expand
- Focus on proper movement with better kinaesthetic awareness
- Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
- Shave seconds off your times because you move more efficiently
- Run without pain!
Suggested products for runners
The Allegro is the most versatile Reformer in the world, with over 17,000 in use. Tough, durable, yet portable and storable. You can fold it flat, stack it, or store it vertically. At just 104 lbs., some teams wouldn't think of going on the road without it. No other equipment offers as much flexibility. Rolls, stacks and stores on end.
The Allegro expands with the Tower of Power to be a reformer, half-trapeze and a mat, all in one compact footprint that allows an extraordinary range of programming. Start with the full system, or with Allegro Reformers you can add to later. It all retrofits! 5-Year Warranty. From $2295.
Our flagship product since 1976, the Studio Reformer still sets the standard in comfort and craftsmanship, with the smoothest, quietest ride on the market. Design your own reformer, choosing from our innovative Footbar and Springbar Systems, which are easy to adjust and minimize workout interruptions. Then select from our custom frame heights, plus your choice of wood and upholstery color options.
The Studio Reformer is also expandable with a Tower that retrofits all our wood-frame Reformers, for a whole new range of programming that requires no additional space. Limited Lifetime Warranty. From $3195.
The Pilates IQ ™ sets up in seconds, then stores away under a bed or upright in a closet. With its sleek design, professional features, easy storability, and affordable price, the Pilates IQ is perfect for home. This is the only reformer available that shortens for storage and still provides a smooth carriage ride with no seams on the track! Comes with free workout video or DVD. 2-year warranty for non-commercial use. From $1645.
Designed to stretch and strengthen muscle groups not easily reached by more traditional techniques and equipment. Evolved from the Wunda Chair system, our padded split step adds the dimension of rotational and reciprocal movement of the extremities. And now we've added wheels to our Combo Chair for easy moving! From $1,245.
Mats, Props and Accessories
Balanced Body offers a complete array of top-quality accessories. For products listed here, Pilates workout videos / DVDs and books are available to help expand your exercise repertoire.
Workout Audio/Video
Enhance your running experience, whether you're a beginner or an ultra-marathoner. If you want to increase your speed, lengthen your stride, eliminate pain, or reduce your chance of injury, these workouts are for you. Develop the core strength, endurance and overall flexibility you need to run with ease. The result? A quick and measurable improvement in your running. Two workouts on one Audio CD (75 min).
For serious athletes interested in a Pilates routine to improve their performance. Karin de Benedetti, an athletic trainer, uses animated anatomy to illustrate the effects of Pilates, teaches 20 exercises, and provides a reminder menu to enable users to define their own program. Includes a specific routine for linear sports, including running, and cycling. $19.95
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