Runners who do Pilates
Shayne Culpepper, 2004 Olympian at 5000 meters
Kara Goucher, 2008 Olympian at 10K
Colleen de Rueck, 2004 Olympic Marathoner
Sanya Richards, 2009 World Champion 400 meters

Pilates and Running Cross-Training

Runners love to run and believe that nothing else will give them that feeling of freedom and joy. You can't run your best without a strong core (the muscles in your abdominals, lower back and glutes). Core strength is the primary force that controls motion in the hips and spine when you run. Weakness or lack of sufficient coordination in the core muscles can lead to less efficient movements, compensatory movement patterns, strain, overuse and injury.

"When my core strength is at its peak, I can run more efficiently and maintain that extra edge."
Lola Jones, World Champion Hurdler, Runners World, February 2009

As a former world class runner, Mary understands what it takes to improve a runner's performance, prevent injury and speed injury recovery. Combining her running background with her Pilates training and credentials, Mary has designed a unique Pilates for Runners Cross-Training Program. Her program improves a runner's performance through a Pilates conditioning program that strengthens the core, increases flexibility and improves posture. Leveraging Pilates basics, Mary's running cross-training program will strengthen the diaphragm and stretch tight rib muscles to improve breathing — all of which help every runner run longer with less effort.

Benefits of the Pilates for Cyclists Conditioning Program

• Improves running performance
• Prolongs running career
• Builds core strength for improved efficiency and endurance
• Increases flexibility and range of motion
• Restores natural posture and alignment of the body
• Improves stability and balance
• Corrects imbalances in the body reducing the risk of injury
• Increases stamina and endurance through proper breathing techniques
• Builds upper body strength without adding bulk

The Pilates for Runners Cross-Training Program

Mary's Pilates for Runners Cross-Training Program begins with an individualized session to assess the runner's movement including postural alignment, flexibility, coordination, strength and balance as well as to evaluate any injuries, performance goals or other special considerations.

While some of the exercises and stretches may be familiar it is an understanding of the underlying Pilates techniques that makes them so effective. Intense core training helps improve running efficiency, breathing and endurance. Other exercises will enhance a runner's range of motion in the hips and legs, improve posture through spinal alignment and reduce the risk of injury through relief of tight muscles and muscle imbalances. Specific Pilates exercises can also be used to help runners recover more quickly from injury.

Pilates for runners has been highlighted in major sports and news publications.