When I was a young dancer with the Australian Ballet Company back in the early ‘70s (yes over 40 years ago!), I was introduced to floor (mat) Pilates.
I was touring in London at the time and initially I asked, ‘why do I need this? I do barre work and classes every day so why add this too?’ My instructor informed me, … ‘Pilates is a system of exercise that will make you a better dancer.’
I had my doubts. I was a good strong ‘jumper,’ but my adage lacked control. How could Pilates help me? As months went by, it became clear. Doing Pilates really helped me control my body more with confidence building results. My jumps, which I thought were fine, now had more power and as a result, more height. My adage had more control although would never be classed as brilliant! But I was now moving more efficiently and with greater precision.
Let it be known that Ballet is not just an art form. It is also a demanding sport requiring strength, precision, and endurance.
Whatever sport your client is in involved in, whether professionally or recreationally, mastering Pilates exercises can make them a better athlete and give them a heightened understanding and mastery of their body’s mechanics.
Tennis stars, swimmers, skiers and football players are just a few of the many elite athletes who include Pilates in their training regime to improve their performance.
Whether it’s in team sports, individual sports or endurance events such as marathons, triathlons, swimming, running, or rowing, Pilates plays a big role in elite sports training.
Challenging Workout on the Chair
I find that one of the best pieces of Pilates equipment, is the chair which offers a host of athletic challenges. There are numerous intermediate to very advanced exercises, in addition to essential foundation exercises. To perform the more advanced chair exercises well, your client will need good upper-body and leg strength, scapular and pelvic stability and a strong powerhouse. Most chair exercises are performed while sitting or standing, which is excellent for functional and athletic training for clients at any level of ability. This makes the chair a great Pilates entry point for men and women who are used to ‘feeling the burn.’ If they don’t feel ‘the burn,’ they don’t think they are doing enough!
The chair is very effective for creating specific programs for skiers, runners, football and basketball players, as it develops explosive leg power, integrated with powerhouse strength and good biomechanics.
The athletic nature of the Pilates chair exercises is appealing in particular to male athletes due to the fact that limited flexibility is not a barrier to success.
A tennis player I worked with last year was plagued with ankle and knee injuries. Exercises on the chair helped him to understand moving from his center. Injuries were less frequent and his performance level increased significantly. The stability through the pelvis and powerhouse that Pilates develops, allowed him to generate power to hit the ball from more unorthodox positions.
We Pilates geeks know that Pilates provides a level of fitness that is unlike any other. It is also the reason that Pilates is so popular in rehab scenarios, as well as with fit and healthy bodies. Clients soon discover that Pilates is a great foundation for any kind of movement they do.
Challenge your fit, healthy clients as well as athletes if you are fortunate enough to have any, but do make sure that they are strong and have a good foundation before progressing them on the expansive list of exciting Pilates exercises in the strong intermediate to advanced repertoire.
Pilates focuses on our wellness, not just our injuries!
Olga Tamara
Director – Authentic Pilates Education Australia
Vice President PAA
Comments are closed.