Why Pilates is a Great Fall/Winter Activity

Strengthen Your Back
Snowboarders and skiers often undertrain or overuse their lower back. Conditions such as poor core stabilization and fatigue can cause the lower spine, pelvis, and hips to get out of position and cause muscle imbalance and undue strain. However, Pilates works well for anyone who wants to keep their spine in position and stabilize their pelvis. In short, it can help athletes cope with or avoid common snowboarding and skiing injuries. With Pilates, athletes can expect to train their bodies for more efficient movement patterning and increased energy for less fatigue and a safer skiing season.

Boost Your Form
Everyone wants to invest effort and time in sports to not only improve their skill but to be safe as well. Unfortunately, many take up a rigorous activity and hope to maintain the same level of energy and skill without proper cross-training. However, Pilates can be a sure way for snowboarders and skiers to maintain, if not improve their skills. It offers increases in flexibility, balance, and strength during training. Pilates not only conditions your body but also makes you more confident when skiing or snowboarding. The focus and strength gained during pre-season training can advance your snowboarding and skiing coordination and technique.

Core Strength
Whether you are an amateur or advanced skier or snowboarder, having a strong and stable core is critical for a successful skiing and snowboarding season. Pilates is all about making your body resilient and robust while developing the abdominal and core muscles. Skiers and snowboarders can expect Pilates to train them to engage their deep abdominal and core muscles so that their snowboarding and skiing movements are safe. Pilates can help a snowboarder or skier boost his or her core strength.

Avoid Injury and Speed Up Recovery
Snowboarding and skiing are an effective way to move the body from side to side. A poorly conditioned body or one suffering from past injuries can compromise your movement and put you at risk of further injury. However, Pilates exercises designed for snowboarding and skiing activities can increase your body’s flexibility and strength. These exercises make muscles supporting the knees and other vulnerable parts more conditioned and performance-ready. Learning Pilates will also help improve your focus and bring the overall structure of your body into balance. After all, no one wants to overstrain their hips or knees when snowboarding or skiing. Pilates can make your body resilient to minor injuries and improve your balance to avoid falls.

Avoid Gaining Weight During Cold Winter Months
Of course, everyone enjoys snuggling up on the lounge with a duvet during cold winter months. Others tend to eat more than they exercise during this time. However, this can cause weight gain due to too little exercise and too much food. Pilates helps keep you active and in shape during the fall/winter so you don’t fall behind in your fitness goals.