Traditionally, most running injuries are as a result of poor body conditioning.
By Danielle Gavaghan, Chartered Physiotherapist
Often our bodies aren’t able to manage the amount of activity that we put on them but if we can make our bodies stronger, we can decrease our risk of injury when running. This is where Reformer Pilates has a key role to play. As a runner, you require good core and pelvic stability (an area most of us lack focus on) and Reformer Pilates can help to improve body strength and conditioning.
Reformer Pilates helps to activate muscle groups that we’re not used to strengthening, for example the smaller gluteal muscles (eg. glute med). Side lying exercises on the Reformer really help to strengthen these muscles.
Many running injuries can be avoided by improving hip and core stability, which is a main focus in Reformer Pilates classes. Reformer Pilates helps to improve posture and stability, providing you with better conditioning and making you more efficient as a runner.
Efficiency is key and if you can improve running economy, you can improve performance. Similarly, staying injury free is crucial and in doing so you can ensure that you don’t miss out on training time. Reformer Pilates can help protect the body from the wear and tear caused by running and jogging which greatly reduces the overall risk of injury.
Movements needed for running can be replicated and trained through using the Reformer, while offloading the pressure through the joints that comes with pounding out the miles. The Reformer Pilates classes are excellent for increasing power output as movements are carried out in a very controlled manner with the aim of increasing the muscle strength, allowing for greater power through explosive movements.
There is also a mobility section in the class which promotes flexibility and gets rid of those niggling areas of tightness. No matter what kind of runner you are, competitive or casual, the same muscle groups apply and everyone can benefit.
JT Physiotherapy is the only clinic in the northwest to offer the highly acclaimed and beneficial Reformer Pilates classes. Class numbers are kept to a maximum of six participants and classes last one hour. Reformer Pilates will improve participants’ flexibility, muscle tone and core strength. JT Physiotherapy is currently offering
free introductory classes and a full list of class timetables can be found on www.jtphysio.com.
