Pilates for Athletes
“Pilates is almost like a ‘prehab’ in a sense.” — Nate Burleson, former NFL Wide receiver
Being an athlete is not just about strength, power and big muscles. Athletes from all sports — whether it be football, baseball, soccer, hockey or basketball — require a full body workout in order to give their best performance, as well as have a safe performance. They need a workout that not only develops strong core and pelvic floor muscles, but also addresses mobility, body alignment, body awareness, agility, coordination, muscle balance and flexibility.
All of these aspects are basic principles of Pilates.
Common injuries (such as hernias or torn ACLs, PCLs, menisci or hamstrings) could all be prevented by utilizing a “quality” deep muscle program like Pilates, versus only a “quantity” superficial muscle conventional workout. So why not "prehab" now, instead of "rehab" later. Pilates is an excellent complement program for any kind of athletic training.
NFL players as Antonio Brown, Chris Givens, Michael Campanaro, Brandin Cooks and Martellus Bennett (pictured above*, practicing with his Pilates instructor in suburban Chicago) have all been experiencing the benefits of Pilates.
As a former dancer, I experienced the huge benefits of Pilates in my own body. During my years living in New York, I had the honor to teach Pilates to Broadway dancers, and see the changes in their balance, flexibility and strength. I have also been working with cyclists, golfers, tennis and soccer players. Now I would like to help the "bigger" guys, like football or baseball players!
-- Thanks to our Guest Blogger, Maria T. Sheldon, a Pilates instructor here at Body Aligned. For more information, please visit our Pilates page. We offer private or semi-private sessions by appointment. For complete pricing information, click here.
*For additional images and more information on Martellus Bennett's inclusion of Pilates into his football training regimen, check out this article from Pilates Style magazine.
