Pilates and Fascia

Pilates and Fascia: What is the secret?

Did you ever feel tightness in your legs, a trigger point (small, painful knots or hardened areas in or near your muscles) in your neck or your shoulder area or simply a very heavy back? – Chances are it is your fascia calling ! But let’s start at the beginning:

What is Fascia

Basically, fascia is

• an elastic and largely collagen-containing connective tissue that is found throughout our entire body.

• part of the body’s own tension network and supports – among others – the transmission of force.

• -in a healthy state – structured like a fish net and at the same time very elastic.

Why does Fascia develop trigger points?

While healthy fascia is very elastic and adaptable to change, the problem starts, when our fascia loses its elasticity due to

• lack of movement

• ageing processes

• overloading in training or competition

• injuries, etc.

Fascia structures then become sticky leading to hardening, i.e. pathological crosslinks or trigger points. Those can be found mainly in the shoulder complex, the neck or the back. Most of us know them, because they hurt immensely.

How is Pilates supporting the protection of my Fascia?

Through the combination of controlled movements, body awareness and targeted stretching, Pilates can both relieve existing tension and have a preventative effect against the development of trigger points by

• promoting muscle relaxation

• improving blood circulation

• increasing your body awareness

• mobilizing the fascia

• promoting fascia mobility and elasticity

• avoiding adhesions and tangling of the fasciae

How do I get started?

The Pilates for Athletes Programme incorporates many methods of fascia training already in its regular programme, such as suspension and catapult effect and myofascial stretching. They are found in exercises like footwork on the floor or the roll down or swimming in my Pilatestraining. In order to particularly tackle potential trigger points in your body I offer workshops on myofaszialen release techniques in addition to the other methods mentioned above.

If you would like to know more about Fascia & how it is relevant for your training, contact me for a free consultation on how I can help you via info@pilates-for-athletes.com. Depending on your personal needs and wants I am confident that we will find a solution suitable for you!

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