Proper preparation and pre-season training is the key to success in any sport. Winter sports are no exception, in fact! Because skiing and snowboarding move our muscles in a very special way, it's crucial to make sure our bodies are in the right condition. This is the way to achieve maximum performance, safety and above all - fun! Pilates helps us to look forward to the winter, and with it the winter sports, in ideal shape. It doesn't just give us a kick start - if we persevere, Pilates can keep us in top shape throughout the winter.
Let's see what the benefits of Pilates really are when you're getting ready for winter sports.
Pilates strengthens the core muscles.
The main benefit of Pilates is its positive effect on the core muscles, so it's no surprise that it has taken the lead in winter sports.
Whether you're a beginner just getting to know snow or an experienced Olympian, you need a strong, stable core to play winter sports. Pilates builds deep abdominal muscles through isolation exercises, but it also makes you stronger. All this helps to build a strong and resilient body for the ski slopes. Pilates teaches us how to use our core muscles effectively, making it easier to take up winter sports (as skiing and snowboarding also make heavy use of this muscle group).
Pilates strengthens the back.
The lower back of skiers and snowboarders is often overloaded and under-trained. This results in fatigue and inadequate trunk stabilisation, which in turn leads to hip, pelvic and spinal dislocation. Pilates helps us to stabilize the pelvis and keep the spine in a neutral position. This makes it easier to stay (flat) on our feet, as the correct posture allows us to adapt more quickly to the dynamic, extremely fast-changing ground. Our energy levels will improve and our movements will be more precise and efficient, making it easier to avoid injury and fatigue at the end of a long day on the slopes.
Pilates helps you learn all the tricks of winter sports.
Pilates can strengthen the back, legs and torso. What does it do? First of all, we can take sharp turns more easily, because we can transfer the energy better to the spleen. Some Pilates exercises focus specifically on the legs. It not only increases our strength, but also our confidence. We can turn and slalom without fear or uncertainty, and if we feel we have lost our balance, the strength we gain from pilates makes it easy to avoid falling by straightening and stabilising our posture.
Pilates helps recovery and injury prevention.
Skiing and snowboarding aren't just special because they require snow - both sports require a specific movement to move forward, and that's moving your body from right to left. Inadequate preparation, as well as previous injuries, can prevent us from performing these movements correctly, and irregular movements increase the risk of injury.
Pilates exercises increase the strength and flexibility of large muscle groups and strengthen smaller tendons, tissues and muscles in the knee and other sensitive areas. Pilates also teaches us how to balance our bodies and take the weight off our knees and hips.
In short, Pilates makes us more resistant to injuries!
Pilates gets us in better shape.
No one invests time and effort in an activity to stay at the same level forever. We want to evolve, get better and improve our skills. Pilates can help us do this by increasing strength, balance, flexibility and endurance all at the same time. It improves fitness while giving you confidence, and these are the two things you need most to improve.
The lesson is obvious - Pilates is a great complement to winter sports! You can be in perfect condition, but you can also be an absolute beginner, there is no person who would not benefit from trying Pilates.