Few people know that Pilates is becoming a popular form of exercise for athletes as part of their injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. The likes of Jason Kidd, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tiger Woods have expressed their inclusion of Pilates in their own programs!
Such trend isn’t surprising because Pilates is a great tool in accelerating the results of a physiotherapy program. With that said, here are the three ways that participating in a customized Pilates program at YogaWorks can aid in your injury prevention and rehabilitation program.
#1 Develop Better Conscious Breathing
Pilates practitioners assert that conscious breathing has several health and fitness benefits including:
- Stabilize the trunk so that core strength can be developed well
- Improve blood circulation and, thus, increase the intake of oxygen and nutrients into the injured parts resulting in faster recovery.
Even pain management can be more effective with proper breathing techniques. You can reduce the intensity of your injury-related pain when you can concentrate on your breathing more, as well.
#2 Develop Better Body Awareness
Pilates demands participants to be highly conscious of their body movements and position at all times. You will then be able to target and isolate specific muscle groups requiring strengthening, such as your core muscles. Your increased ability to focus on the small muscles around the site of injury aids in supporting and strengthening it.
Again, you will be able to recover from your injury in a faster and better manner, as well as enjoy a stronger body. In turn, your body can enjoy reduced risk of injury because of its stronger nature.
#3 Develop Better Movement Control
Aside from the conscious breathing and body awareness, Pilates also demands control over your body and its parts. You have to perform each exercise in a controlled manner – no hurrying up, no stretching beyond your playing field, and no one-size-fits all program.
Your Pilates instructor will ensure that your spine is always in its neutral position while also emphasizing a strong core. You will also be required to limit movements to your mid-range zone, known as the playing field. You will then be less likely to subject your body to awkward movements that can worsen your injury.
Most important, Pilates rehabilitation programs are always customized to the needs and wants of each individual. Such adaptability means that you can work within your current range of movement and be in control at all times. You have to work with your Pilates instructor, even with your physiotherapist and doctor, in developing the best injury prevention and rehabilitation program for this purpose.