1-Improving posture in the Dulwich Runners

Pilates offers specific exercises to improve muscle flexibility and improve posture. Improved posture and muscle flexibility allows the runner to activate more efficiently their extensors muscle system (gluteal muscles and shoulder musculature) thus improving positioning and cadence efficiency.

Especially those individuals that spend many hours sitting, may lose trunk rotation and hip extension, making their running less efficient.

2-Improving muscle control in the Runners

Runners require a combination of global muscles (fast twice muscles fibres) and postural muscles (slow twitch muscle fibres) to run efficiently. We find that is the heavy reliance on the global muscle system, which causes once fatigued a deterioration of the runner’s technique.

The slow, control functional position exercises utilised during the Pilates Reformer session, will help the control muscle system become more efficient at controlling the runners body position. This works really well when combined with yoga (flexibility) and strength and conditioning training.

3-Improving Flexibility in the Runners

Pilates will combine slow and control exercises with flexibility specific exercises. This will allow the runner to develop better muscular control trough inner and outer ranges of movement. Rather than providing over active shorten muscle fibres, Pilates will offer strength and flexibility in a coexistent form. Long and strong muscles equal better force and energy production.

4-Muscle activation and running mechanics for the Runner

Over reliance on the wrong muscles and poor muscle sequencing can compromise once movement quality. Re-training your central nervous system to send the correct neurological activation pattern, it’s key to improve your movement quality. Reformer Pilates offer functional/running specific positions to recreate the environmental challenges of a runner.