5 Reasons Why Pilates Will Make You a better Swimmer
Asphalt Green’s annual pool shutdown is coming up soon; But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your swimming.
At AGUA, we know a strong core is one of the most essential components of swimming. In the water, every movement you make originates from the core– kicking, pulling, rotating, and even gliding. That’s why Pilates is one of the best workouts you can try when the pool is unavailable. Core strength and stabilization are at the heart of the beginning, middle, and end of every Pilates exercise.
Asphalt Green Fitness hosts Pilates classes every week, with options for athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all skill levels. Here are five reasons why you should consider joining to complement your swim routine!
5 reasons swimmers should try pilates
Become a more mindful swimmer
Pilates emphasizes the mind-body connection. By taking the time to breathe and connect to your center, you will see improvements in the pool. Plus, learning how to control your breath with deep exhales fires up your core and supplies oxygen to muscles, which powers your stroke.
Prevent injuries
When swimmers have a weak core, they tend to overcompensate by putting extra stress on their back and shoulder muscles. While doing so may mask inefficiencies, it can lead to overuse injuries like muscle strains or rotator cuff tears. Pilates works on balancing these imbalances so you can maximize the power generated from your back, shoulders, and legs without overusing them to a point of injury.
Improve body alignment and streamline position
Pilates works on extension of the spine and limbs. An essential part of swimming is maintaining a streamline position to improve efficiency. When you get tired while swimming, your technique is often the first element to break down. Your body becomes misaligned and your become inefficient. By working on strengthening and lengthening the spine in Pilates, it becomes more natural to hold a streamline position while swimming.
Build speed
Swimming utilizes all of the body’s muscles simultaneously. Your core is your center. In all four competitive strokes, a stable core will enable you to leverage your larger muscles to move through water more quickly and efficiently.
Boost recovery
Swimming is a repetitive sport, and you can find strength in mixing up your routine. Pilates is not all about feeling the burn. You will stretch overused hip flexors, rotate your spine, and work out the aches and pains from your tough training regimen. The goal is to leave feeling stretched and ready to tackle your next workout.
