Pilates for runners: strength, mobility and injury prevention

Runners are brilliant at running, and often less good at everything that keeps running possible: strength, mobility and control. That is exactly the gap reformer Pilates fills, which is why more and more runners use it as their secret weapon.

Running is repetitive; Pilates is the antidote

Running is thousands of near-identical, single-leg impacts. Over time that builds strength in some places and tightness and imbalance in others, which is where niggles and injuries creep in. Reformer Pilates works your body in the ways running never does: through full range, on both sides evenly, and with control rather than impact.

What it does for your running

• A stronger core and glutes, for a more stable, efficient stride and less wasted energy.
• Single-leg strength and balance, which is what running actually is, one leg at a time.
• Mobility in tight hips, hamstrings and ankles, so you move more freely.
• Injury prevention, by ironing out the imbalances that lead to knee, hip and Achilles trouble.

The jumpboard is a particular favourite for runners: it lets you train power and spring in a low-impact way, building exactly what you need without pounding your joints.

How we do it

In small classes, your instructor can target what your running body needs and work around any old niggles. Whether you are chasing a personal best or simply want to keep running comfortably for years to come, reformer Pilates is the cross-training that quietly makes the difference.

Run stronger

Look after the body that carries you through every mile. Come and build the strength, mobility and control that keep you running, we will meet you exactly where you are.