Pilates For Athletes

Why Athletes should add Pilates to their training regime

Pilates is great for athletes because it builds the kind of strength, control, and resilience that directly improves performance and reduces injury risk.

1. Core strength that actually transfers to sport

Pilates trains the deep core muscles (transverse abdominis, erector spinae muscles, pelvic floor), not just superficial abs.

• This improves force transfer between the upper and lower body

• Movements become more powerful and efficient (running, throwing, jumping, rotating)

2. Better movement quality and body control

Pilates emphasizes precision, alignment, and control, which helps athletes:

• Move more efficiently

• Reduce energy leaks and compensations

• Improve technique under fatigue

3. Injury prevention and joint stability

Many injuries come from poor stability or imbalances. Pilates:

• Strengthens stabilizing muscles around joints (hips, knees, shoulders, spine)

• Improves control through full ranges of motion

• Reduces overuse injuries common in repetitive sports

4. Increased mobility without losing strength

Unlike passive stretching, Pilates builds strength at end ranges:

• Improves flexibility while maintaining control

• Helps athletes stay mobile without becoming unstable

• Especially useful for hips, spine, and shoulders

5. Enhanced balance and proprioception

Pilates challenges balance and coordination, which:

• Improves agility and reaction time

• Helps athletes adapt to unpredictable situations

• Is critical for field, court, ice and endurance sports

6. Breathing efficiency and endurance

Pilates uses intentional breathing patterns that:

• Improve oxygen efficiency

• Enhance rib cage mobility

• Support better posture and stamina during performance

7. Faster recovery and longevity

Pilates is low-impact but highly effective:

• Supports recovery between intense training sessions

• Maintains strength during rehab or deload phases

• Helps athletes stay competitive longer

8. Mental focus and awareness

Pilates trains the mind-body connection:

• Improves concentration and discipline

• Helps athletes recognize early signs of fatigue or imbalance

• Supports consistency and confidence in performance

In short: Pilates doesn’t replace sport-specific or strength training—it enhances them. It makes athletes stronger, more efficient, more resilient, and better connected to how their bodies move.

At Mindful Movement we have experience working with professional hockey, baseball and basketball players as well as dancers, artistic swimmers and trampoliners . Read some of our athletes testimonials here

This class is suitable for athletes or anyone who is interested in improving their athletic or physical performance in all modalities.

If your looking for the missing link to being at the top of your game, Pilates is it!

Are you a team looking to try Pilates? Reach out to info@mindfulmovement.ca for our trial group rate!