Pilates complements Swimmer’s Training

What do Swimming and Pilates have in common?

“Not much!” is the usual reply I got from my befriended swimmers. And yes, there are obvious differences: Swimming takes place in the water, Pilates does not. Swimming is an aerobic exercise, Pilates – in its original form – is not. Competitive Swimming is aiming to be faster than before. Pilates clearly is not a competitive training (unless against yourself). Being a swimming coach and a Pilatesteacher on the one hand and practicing both sports on the other, I found that Swimming and Pilates do have some commonalities: 

• both strive for lengths 
• both need breathing awareness 
• both are strengthening / challenging your body as a whole 
• both require a certain technique
• both are suitable for everyone

Why is Pilates a great complementary sport for (Master) Swimmer?

Although swimming is one of the healthiest sports you can engage in, there are some aspects to consider – especially as you age – that are not covered by your favourite sport: 

• bone density is not challenged in the water 
• mobility (especially shoulder and hip) is not challenged when swimming 
• certain muscle groups (gluts, legs) need more training than we usually give them in the water 
• stretching your body is often neglected

Pilates complements your swimming practice and will improve your swimming as a whole! 

How does it work?

• Pilates puts a focus on strengthening the core muscles, which is essential for – but not necessarily trained while – swimming: “A stable core will enable you to leverage your larger muscles to move through water more quickly and efficiently.” (https://recwell.berkeley.edu/pilates_and_swimming/). 
• Pilates strengthens and lengthens the spine. Therefore, it becomes easier and more natural to hold a streamline position while swimming. 
• Pilates focuses on aligning your head with your spine while exercising. Consequently, the position of the head in the water will improve.
• Pilates challenges your muscles and joints to use their full range of motion. In order to be able to swim to the full potential a swimmer needs an optimum range of motion and flexibility in the joints.

In my Pilates for Athletes: Swimmers Classes we address these points to make your swim training even easier and more enjoyable.

How and when can I give it a try?

If you would like to try Pilates for Athletes: Swimmer’s Classes, contact me for a free consultation on how I can help you via info@pilates-for-athletes.com. I offer individual and group classes, online and in person. Depending on your personal needs and wants I am confident that we will find a solution suitable for you!

Pilates for Athletes trains you the way you need it as a swimmer: 

• It promotes the range of motion in your joints that is neglected in your swimming practice. 
• It supports your arm- and legwork in the water by strengthening the core muscles. 
• Its objective is lengths, which will support your streamline position in the water. 
• It is a great way to work your body on a day off water training.

Enjoy many more years of your favourite sport: Invest in your Pilates Training today!