Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/352688
26 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | AUGUST 2014 Getting Fit Marywilde Nelson, Lead Pilates Instructor L U K E R U TA N Performance through Pilates Improve your strength, flexibility, and posture M any of us think our favorite sport is all we need to stay fit. Although regularly taking part in a specific physical activity can indeed improve our health and fitness, it can also create muscle imbalances that may lead to injury. is is true no matter what sport we're talking about. In fact, the more you participate in your chosen activity, the more important cross-training becomes in keeping your muscles balanced, flexible, and resilient. For many, Pilates is the answer. Pilates offers a cross-training solution that helps prevent injuries and improves sport-specific performance. Some of the most common issues facing active WAC members include low- back pain, muscle cramping, and poor posture. ese issues often trace back to our core muscles. In Pilates, we call this our powerhouse—the abdominals, low back, hips, and glutes. Without powerhouse support, our spines, hips, knees, and ankles experience excessive stress, which can lead to injuries. No matter what sport or activity you love most, it inevitably requires flexing, extending, bending, and twisting your spine. is requires engaging your powerhouse for support. When we strengthen our core, we make our movements more powerful and improve our overall performance. is can offer athletes a competitive edge and extend the years many of us can continue doing the things we love. When I speak to my clients about what they've gained from Pilates, they often talk about improvements in the physical activities they enjoy most. ese include paddleboarding, tango dancing, golfing, skiing, and running. One of my clients in his 60s spends five or more hours each week riding his bike. For him, Pilates offers the perfect counter to long days hunched over his handlebars. Another client and avid golfer says the core strength she has gained from Pilates has improved her hip rotation, range of motion, and balance, all of which have improved her golf game. Yet another client uses Pilates to support her classical ballet training. Unlike a typical strength-training workout, Pilates uses unique apparatuses and mat exercises to work the entire body as an integrated whole. is differs from the typical approach of working specific muscle groups on alternating days, and it can quickly yield overall improvements—no matter what you love doing most. —Contact Marywilde Nelson at mnelson@wac.net. Book private Pilates sessions through the Wellness Center at wellness@wac.net. Left to right, from red wall: Mary Strecker, Sarah Robinson, and Mona Owen do Shoulder Roll-Downs on the Pilates wall units.