Who Is Pilates For? #1 Swimmers

People are ALWAYS asking me "Who actually does Pilates? Like, who is it good for?" My answer is ALWAYS "Everyone." Plain and simple. Pilates is good for everyone. There's some of you who don't exactly like that answer and that's why I decided to make a blog series explaining who Pilates is good for and why it's good for them. 

Because it's the end of the summer and outdoor swimming is almost over (unless you're psycho- no offense), a lot of swimmers decide to start cross training during the winter months, rather than deal with a indoor public pool filled with little demon children demonstrating their best dead man's float.... 

Enter Pilates.

I'm not a swimmer myself, but I've done my research and have found that like most sports, swimmers rely on proper body alignment for peak performance. Pilates helps stabilize those deep abdominal muscles that wrap around your entire trunk. Each of these exercises integrate the shoulder girdle and pelvis when developing that core stabilization. Having proper alignment will prevent strain and in some cases, even tears. Oh, and did I mention you'll swim faster? Quality matters, people!

Pilates is mind-body oriented; all this means is that you are going to use your brain as much as you use your body, if not more! In both Pilates and swimming you'll find yourself needing to focus on breathing, balance, and alignment more than how long or how far you've gone. The two translate well. It actually makes the activity more fun in my opinion. The worst is looking at the clock every five minutes in class AMIRIGHT?!

Well guys, if you're not a swimmer, have no fear! There's about 5 or 6 more of these posts coming your way and you're gonna have to be one of the things I post. Maybe. If not I'll take it as a challenge to find how Pilates is good for you! 

Happy Hump Day!

Jessie
xo

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