Are you running the City 2 Surf?
If you’re planning on running the City 2 Surf, or just running in general, now is the time to start training and Comprehensive Pilates might be exactly what you need if you're looking to build a solid foundation, stay injury-free, and improve your performance.
Here’s how Pilates can help:
Core Strength and Stability
Pilates focuses on the core. A strong core stabilises your pelvis and spine; improving your running posture, more efficient strides and, importantly, you will use less energy on unnecessary movement.
City 2 Surf benefit: Better endurance and form, especially in the later stages when fatigue sets in.
Breath Control and Endurance
“True heart control follows correct breathing which simultaneously reduces heart strain, purifies the blood, and develops the lungs” - Joseph Pilates
Pilates emphasises deep, controlled breathing (especially lateral or diaphragmatic breathing). This increases oxygen efficiency and breath control under stressful situations. It also helps to increase lung capacity which will help your muscles stay oxygenated throughout your run.
City 2 Surf benefit: Helps maintain a steady rhythm, stay calm under pressure and provide your tissues with much needed oxygen and nutrients.
Muscle Balance and Injury Prevention
Running is repetitive and that can create muscle imbalances. Pilates strengthens the leg muscles, improves alignment, helps maintain ankle and knee stability, and balance, which comes in handy when you’re running on uneven surfaces.
City 2 Surf benefit: Reduces the risk of common running injuries like IT band syndrome, runner’s knee, shin splints and ankle strains/sprains.
Mobility and Flexibility
Pilates incorporates dynamic stretching and range-of-motion work at your hips, ankles and spine. Having better flexibility reduces the risk of muscle and tendon strains.
City 2 Surf benefit: Easier stride turnover and more fluid motion, reducing fatigue over time.
Body Awareness and Control
Pilates teaches you to move with intention. You learn to tune in to subtle imbalances, notice when something feels “off” and teaches you the tools to adjust your form instinctively.
City 2 Surf benefit: Helps prevent pushing through pain that could lead to injury and you will know how to improve your technique during your run to make it to the end.
How to integrate Pilates into your running prep:
2x/week in off-season for deep strengthening and maintenance.
1x/week during peak training for endurance and recovery.
Tailored Equipment-based Pilates with a teacher familiar with running needs.
Book your intro session to get started and build your running program.