Pilates as a complementary form of movement for winter sports
Proper preparation and pre-season training are key to success in any sport. Winter sports are no exception, in fact! Since skiing and snowboarding move our muscles in a very unique way, it is extremely important to ensure that our body is in proper condition. This is how maximum performance, safety, and above all – fun! Pilates helps us to be in ideal shape for winter and winter sports. It not only gives us the initial push – if we are persistent, Pilates can keep us in peak condition throughout the entire winter season.
Let's see what the benefits of Pilates actually are when we start it during preparation for winter sports.
Pilates strengthens the core muscles.
The most important benefit of Pilates is its positive effect on the core muscles, so it's no surprise that this comes first for winter sports.
Whether we are beginners just getting acquainted with snow, or experienced Olympians, a strong, stable core is essential for winter sports. Pilates builds deep abdominal muscles through isolation exercises, and we also become stronger from it. All this contributes to us hitting the slopes with a resilient and strong body. Pilates teaches us how to effectively use our core muscles, making it easier to get started with winter sports (as both skiing and snowboarding heavily engage this muscle group).
Pilates strengthens the back.
The lower back of skiers and snowboarders is often overloaded and undertrained. As a result, fatigue and inadequate core stabilization occur, which in turn lead to displacement of the hips, pelvis, and spine. Pilates helps us to stabilize the pelvis and keep the spine in a neutral position. This makes it easier to stay on our (ski)feet, as correct posture allows us to adapt more quickly to dynamic, rapidly changing terrain. Our energy levels will improve, our movements will be more precise and efficient, thus easily avoiding injuries and exhaustion at the end of a long day on the slopes.
Pilates helps you master all the tricks of winter sports.
Pilates can strengthen the back, legs, and core. What do we achieve with this? Primarily, we can take sharp turns more easily, as we can transfer energy to the skis better. Some Pilates exercises specifically focus on the legs. Not only does our strength increase, but so does our confidence. We can turn and slalom on the slopes without any fear or uncertainty, and if we do feel like we've lost our balance, the strength gained through Pilates allows us to easily avoid a fall by straightening up and stabilizing our posture.
Pilates aids recovery and injury prevention.
Skiing and snowboarding are special not only because they require snow – both sports demand unique movements for forward progression, which involves moving the body from side to side. Inadequate preparation and previous injuries can prevent us from performing these movements correctly, and incorrect movement increases the risk of injury.
Pilates exercises increase the strength and flexibility of large muscle groups, and strengthen smaller tendons, tissues, and muscles in the knees and other sensitive areas. Pilates can also teach us how to balance our body and how to take the load off our knees and hips.
In short, Pilates makes us more resistant to injuries!
Pilates gets us into better shape.
No one invests time and effort into an activity just to stay at the same level forever. We want to develop, get better, and improve our skills. Pilates can help us with this too, as it simultaneously increases strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. It improves our condition while also giving us self-confidence, and these two things are most needed for development.
The lesson is obvious – Pilates perfectly complements winter sports! Whether we are in perfect condition or absolute beginners, there is no one who would not benefit from trying Pilates.