Question: Can I do cross training with Pilates? If you do Pilates and add other forms of exercise into your weekly routine, you are cross training. There are some good reasons to do this. Here are a few: Pilates exercises are oriented toward functional fitness, meaning that Pilates teaches you to move better in general, thereby enhancing performance and reducing risk of injury in other activities. Cross training that combines strength training with cardio is said to be the best way to get in tip top shape and is recommended by the American Council on Exercise. Cross training adds sustaining variety to a workout routine. Answer: Pilates: Strength and Flexibility in Cross Training In the simplest of equations, Pilates is the moderate strength training aspect a cross training program. Pilates has so many more benefits, I hesitate to leave it at that. But for now, lets look at Pilates as strength training and how that supports increased flexibility. Strength and flexibility are of special interest for cross trainers. The Pilates Method is founded on core strength. Pilates mat and equipment exercises strengthen not just the outer muscles of the center of the body but also the deep inner stabilizing muscles of the pelvis, abdomen, and back -- the core muscles. Core strength supports the back and neck, giving us healthy posture and freeing the joints to allow a natural flexibility of the limbs. This kind of strength and flexibility training translate well into all kinds cross training activities. Pilates mat work is a full-body workout and wonderful for developing core strength. However, if you are going to depend on Pilates exclusively for your strength training, you will probably want to add the resistance exercises done with large and small Pilates equipment. That will expand your options for developing strength in the limbs as well as the core. Pilates mat exercises Pilates ring exercises Pilates resistance band exercises Many people value the long, lean-look muscles that come from Pilates and are satisfied with the level of integrative, moderate strength training that Pilates provides. Pilates resistance training is enough to give you functional power, help build bone, and burn more calories because muscle is a calorie burner. If you want even more strength and muscle, you might consider mixing in more traditional weight training. Pilates will help you do weight training with better alignment, greater range of motion, and integrative focus. By adding Pilates to your cross-training, youll find that monster stems, killer high steps, and sketchy rock-over moves get easier. By practicing Pilates, youll improve the quality of your fitness, reduce your risk for overuse injuries and improve your climbing. Not only will you log more pitches in a single day, youll climb them in better style.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:14:26 +0000
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