With the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon coming up on Sunday May 16 now is the time when many people start to feel those niggling injuries resurfacing.

Pilates is a great way to prevent recurrent injuries and correct muscle imbalances that predispose to overuse injuries such as hip pain, knee pain, shin splints and foot problems.

While running is great cardiovascular exercise its repetitive nature means some muscles get a hard workout while others get left behind. Also, regular running without appropriate stretching can lead to tight muscles that go on to give us pain and injuries. Pilates helps to engage and strengthen our deep tummy muscles (our core) that support our back and hips, and will give the body a more stable base to work from. Pilates exercises also focus on mobility and flexibility which is particularly important for runners as they commonly develop tightness through the gluts, hips and legs.

If you are part of the 80% of the population who experience low back pain, it is vital that you have proper rehabilitation, including retraining your core stabilizing muscles, before you return to, or commence, a regular running routine. If you do not work on the strength and endurance of these muscles you will find your pain keeps returning, interrupting your training and slowing you down. Pilates makes strengthening your core and your back easy and fun, and with a qualified instructor you can be confident your technique is spot on.

Improved breathing pattern and control is another area where Pilates can improve your running. Focus on the breath and correct breathing forms part of all Pilates exercises and is vital to promote oxygen exchange and increase stamina when running. Efficient breathing will leave you with more energy to run and avoid tension creeping into your neck and shoulders.

So if you’re a regular runner and want to break out of the injury cycle and improve your performance Pilates is a fun and relaxing way to keep you pounding the pavement painfree!

For more information on Pilates call Precision Physio now on 9280 2322 or email laura.c@precisionphysio.com.au.

“Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor.”  Joseph Pilates