Pilates for Runners

Running has long been a favorite fitness activity for millions of people. However, as more people catch the running bug, more also succumb to overuse injuries. Running tends to be high impact, it’s repetitive, and it occurs mostly in the sagittal plane. No wonder, then, that many runners fall prey to injury or imbalance.

Pilates-based moves can be invaluable when incorporated into runners’ fitness regimens. The six principles of Pilates—concentration, centering, control, breathing, precision and flow—all apply to running. Most important, if a runner can learn how to engage his powerhouse and allow motion to originate from it, he will run faster, more efficiently, with control and with less risk of injury.

Commonrunning injuriesstem from tight, weak hips; an overworked but weak gluteal complex; weak, improperly trained abdominals; and weak leg stabilizers. The following Pilates-based exercises address these issues.

Standing Side Leg-Lifts With Leg Circles

This standing variation of the Pilates side kick helps strengthen the entire leg complex—especially the stabilizers—while increasing hip mobility and challenging the core. It also gets runners out of thesagittal plane.

Begin in standing Pilates stance,hamstringsengaged, inner thighs squeezed together, knees soft but strong, and abdominals “zipped up.” Exhale: Bring shoulders up, back and down. Inhale: Keep arms parallel to sides. Inhale: Lift left leg straight out to side, leading with outer thigh. Knee faces forward without hyperextending. Exhale: Tap toe to floor, keeping leg long. Repeat 6–8 times; hold leg up and balance. Circle extended leg 8 times clockwise and 8 times counterclockwise, making small, smooth circles. Exhale: Release to center Pilates stance. Repeat on opposite leg. Keep abdominal muscles engaged throughout. Lift tall through spine and stay strong in standing leg without locking knee.

Modified Pilates Hip Circles With Zigzags

Strong abdominals are critical to good form, especially when running downhill. This exercise challenges the abdominals while targeting the abductors, adductors and hip flexors. It also stretches the top of the foot, which helps alleviateshin splints.

Begin supine, propped on elbows. Rise out of shoulders, and lift and open chest, keeping neck long and lifted through crown. Inhale: Extend both legs at 45-degree angle (or higher to modify). If this position is too difficult, do thehundredinstead. Begin with classic hip circles, legs glued together in Pilates stance, circling 3 times clockwise and 3 times counterclockwise. Rest if necessary, and then add zigzags.

While still propped on elbows, with abdominals scooped and spine lengthened, exhale and gently cross extended right leg over left leg. Inhale: Move legs apart about 1–2 feet and switch, traveling legs upward for two sets, and then downward for 2 sets. Do this at controlled pace, keeping legs long and strong, toes pointed. Perform 2–4 sets slowly, and then 2–4 sets at faster pace. Gently roll down onto spine, stretch arms overhead and reach long through toes, elongating abdominals for a deep stretch.

For another great exercise for runners, please see“3 Pilates-Inspired Moves for Runners”in the online IDEA Library or in the November 2012 issue ofIDEA Pilates Today.