Swimmers who do Pilates
Dara Torres, 12 Olympic medals – 4 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze – Competed in 5 Olympics
Natalie Coughlin, 11 Olympic medals – Olympic Gold Medalist at 100 meter backstroke 2004, 2008

Pilates and Swimming Conditioning

Swimming is a total-body exercise. Similar to running, swimming requires strength and endurance to finish the race. Swimmers greatly benefit from a complementary whole-body Pilates conditioning program to improve their core strength, breathing efficiency and body balance. Pilates has been proven to increase a swimmers performance so much that legendary six-time Olympic coach, Richard Quick, made Pilates a standard part of his swimmers' training program.

"In swimming speed comes directly from the core so Pilates helps immensely"
Dara Torres, Competed in 5 Olympics

Creating a high level of performance and avoiding injury is only possible if there is functional balance of the muscles that move the extremities and torso thorough the water. The Pilates program will help you achieve better flexibility, strength and control, thereby improving the form of your stroke.

Benefits of the Pilates for Swimmers Conditioning Program

• Improves swimming performance
• Builds core strength
• Restores natural posture creating better balance in the water
• Increases stamina and endurance through proper breathing techniques
• Improves flexibility in shoulders, arms, legs and hips for a better swim stroke
• Balances strength around the joints and muscles against water resistance
• Builds strength without adding bulk so swimmer can "slice" through the water
• Reduces risk of injury by creating functional muscle balance

The Pilates for Swimmers Conditioning Program

Understanding the benefits of Pilates Mary has created a Pilates for Swimmers Conditioning Program. Her unique program is based on the fact that the work and power in a swimming stroke comes from core muscle strength. Her program begins by focusing on building a swimmer's core strength. Her program also helps swimmers improve their breathing capacity and efficiency through diaphragm strength and control. Finally she corrects posture and increases muscle and body flexibility to enhance balance and recovery from strenuous practices or races.

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