Top 5 Pilates Exercises for Runners

As I write this in late spring, where I live (at 8,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies) the snow is finally (!) beginning to melt for the final time this winter. We certainly hope so as the ground has been covered non-stop since November with the chilly white fluff. Why do I mention this? Because now we (myself and all my fellow Coloradans) can finally lace up our running shoes and head out onto the gorgeous, Aspen-packed trails and terrain. But, we won’t forget to bring along the top 5 Pilates exercises for runners which, fortunately, I’ve got for you here!

I’ve recently taken up trail running. Actually I’m more of an occasional trail runner who revs up his speed slightly past power walking when a good song comes on my iPod. Trail running is a wonderful challenge because it showcases constantly shifting and changing landscapes beneath my churning feet and keeps me on my toes … literally. There are so many wonderful sights to behold, but if you take your eyes off the ground you just might crash directly into those sights.

This brings us to these five Pilates exercises for runners. I discovered that my cardio outlasts my body when running. Living at such a high elevation has conditioned my heart and oxygen uptake superbly, so my cardio system operates like a finely tuned machine … but my core, hips, joints and feet can often feel like they want to call it quits. These exercises will give your core (abs, low back, hips and gluteus) balance, flexibility and strength so that it can aptly handle the stresses produced by the steady thump thump of your feet. Also, Pilates emphasizes deep, rhythmic breathing and body control, which will keep your gait smooth, steady and effortless. The mind/body connection emphasized by the Pilates method produces a stronger neurological response to create better muscle balance. Your mind sees it and your body does it.

I’ve been known to speak for hours about the wonders of a single Pilates exercise but I shall spare you that. Once we get moving with the exercises it all begins to make sense and our bodies gobble up the benefits of these total-body moves to build strength, control and flexibility. These exercises were taken from my new bestselling book, Pilates for Athletes available by clicking here. Oh, and all you need is your bodyweight, comfortable clothes and a workout mat and these exercises can be done anywhere and anytime. Enjoy!

Which move was your favorite? —Sean