A Running Mom

This might look really easy, but guess what? It’s super hard! And you might need to start doing it.

Photo Credit: pilates4runners.com

If you are a runner, you may want to consider pilates to incorporate better breathing techniques for your runs, better flexibility, and a stronger “core.” I found this site that speaks specifically about the benefits pilates offers runners like me.

Last year, as I trained for a 1/2 marathon, I developed acute back pain and became increasingly uncomfortable. I couldn’t even to touch my toes! I thought my back was going into spasms. A few visits to my favorite local Pilates Studio took care of the problem. They taught me the importance of stretching the muscles I was strengthening for better support and comfort throughout my “core” — the area throughout your body’s lower back and around the upper and lower stomach.  I also learned that my breathing and overall training might have been contributing to my holding tension in my shoulders and back. Within 12 weeks, I developed better posture, better breathing, a stronger core and felt terrific again.  Now I incorporate pilates in my weekly routine, as it will, I believe, be the cornerstone for my longer-term strength and cardio-vascular training and health. See what you think!  

I’m off to run a nice 3 miles.

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Tags: pilates, strength

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 28th, 2009 at 12:48 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.