{"id":27257,"date":"2021-09-22T21:16:22","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T21:16:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=27257"},"modified":"2025-01-23T19:19:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T19:19:04","slug":"pilates-for-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#What_Are_Pilates_Exercises\" >What Are Pilates Exercises?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Is_Pilates_Good_For_Athletes\" >Is Pilates Good For Athletes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#The_Best_Pilates_Workout_For_Athletes\" >The Best Pilates Workout For Athletes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Pilates_Benefits_For_Athletes\" >Pilates Benefits For Athletes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Improved_Mental_Well-Being\" >Improved Mental Well-Being\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Improved_Performance_Through_Enhanced_Flexibility\" >Improved Performance Through Enhanced Flexibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Increased_Core_Strength_And_Peripheral_Mobility\" >Increased Core Strength And Peripheral Mobility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Improved_Postural_Problems\" >Improved Postural Problems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Reduced_Injury_Risk_And_Increased_Injury_Recovery\" >Reduced Injury Risk And Increased Injury Recovery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Promoting_Body_Rebalancing\" >Promoting Body Rebalancing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Can_Athletes_Perform_Pilates_If_They_Have_Health_Conditions\" >Can Athletes Perform Pilates If They Have Health Conditions?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Diabetes\" >Diabetes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Arthritis\" >Arthritis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Knee_Injury\" >Knee Injury<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Chronic_Lower_Back_Pain\" >Chronic Lower Back Pain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Pregnancy\" >Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#Yoga_Vs_Pilates_For_Athletes_Which_Is_Better\" >Yoga Vs. Pilates For Athletes: Which Is Better?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athletes have unique requirements when it comes to their training programs. Some will focus on specific activities, while others choose all-rounded programs to excel in their sport. Experts acknowledge that the best training program for athletes is one that meets their needs and is well-rounded. This means it has to incorporate strength training, cardio, and other exercises like Pilates. Here is a comprehensive overview of Pilates for athletes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/two-photos-collage-1920x1200-11.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Pilates_Exercises\"><\/span><b>What Are Pilates Exercises?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates refers to a group of exercises that combines at least fifty repetitive moves to help create muscular exertion (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Experts advocate these workouts due to their long list of benefits, some of which include increased muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and improving posture and balance (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts also recommend these exercises because they are based on five crucial principles. These include deep breathing, rib and scapular stabilization, cervical alignment, pelvic mobility, and utilization of the transversus abdominis (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These principles help the individual performing them reap more benefits, as each principle brings something unique to the table. For example, deep breathing promotes relaxation, while pelvic mobility increases the range of motion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These exercises are straightforward to perform, and they also easily fit into any workout plan. That said, you must remember to perform these exercises correctly in order to minimize injury risk. Talk to a professional to better understand how to perform Pilates exercises for athletes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-men\/\">Pilates For Men: Why And How You Should Engage In These Strength Building Exercises<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ready-7-1.png\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Pilates_Good_For_Athletes\"><\/span><b>Is Pilates Good For Athletes?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There have been multiple debates about whether or not athletes should take up <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-vs-yoga-for-weight-loss\/\">Pilates<\/a> exercises. Many believe that professional athletes should focus on activities like running instead of Pilates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, fitness experts have shown that Pilates can be good exercises for professional athletes. Furthermore, experts acknowledge that athletes can adopt these moves into their workout plan in two different ways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first way is adapting specific <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-help-you-lose-weight\/\">Pilates moves<\/a> in order to provide a gentle strength training workout for rehabilitation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The second is for athletes to incorporate Pilates exercises that are vigorous enough to give them a thorough workout.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So yes, Pilates are suitable for athletes. However, this brings us to another area that most people hardly know: athletes&#8217; benefits from performing such <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-back-pain\/\">exercises<\/a>. Take a look!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-70004 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BMstreet1714-copy-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BMstreet1714-copy-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BMstreet1714-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BMstreet1714-copy-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BMstreet1714-copy-scaled.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BMstreet1714-copy-1380x920.jpg 1380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Best_Pilates_Workout_For_Athletes\"><\/span><b>The Best Pilates Workout For Athletes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideally, the <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-exercises-for-beginners\/\">Pilates exercises<\/a> to be performed by athletes should vary depending on the sport they undertake. Thus, it is hard to come up with one standard Pilates workout plan for all athletes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonetheless, some of the most important <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/benefits-of-pilates\/\">Pilates moves<\/a> for athletes include Pilates hundred, crossover, roll-up, twist and reach side leg lifts, rollback, and kneeling sidekicks (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/ss\/slideshow-15-pilates-moves\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Talk to a licensed trainer for a customized Pilates workout plan that meets your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe app will provide you with a host of fat-frying fitness routines that\u2019ll scare the extra pounds away and turn your body into a masterpiece! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1416&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\">Get your life moving in the right direction<\/a> with BetterMe!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pilates_Benefits_For_Athletes\"><\/span><b>Pilates Benefits For Athletes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several benefits set Pilates apart from other <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/is-yoga-or-pilates-better-for-weight-loss\/\">exercises<\/a>, especially among athletes. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_Mental_Well-Being\"><\/span><b>Improved Mental Well-Being\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing that Pilates does is to promote efficient breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are significant as they help in reducing chronic stress. Chronic stress is dangerous for your health as it increases the risk of depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, headaches, and stomachaches (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000874.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/imagephone-1920x1200-1.png\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_Performance_Through_Enhanced_Flexibility\"><\/span><b>Improved Performance Through Enhanced Flexibility<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexibility is essential among athletes, especially those participating in activities like football and sprinting. Pilates is an excellent <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mobility-vs-flexibility\/\">exercise option<\/a> for athletes because it improves flexibility in the hamstrings and upper body. As a result, improved flexibility helps in reducing injury risk (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increased_Core_Strength_And_Peripheral_Mobility\"><\/span><b>Increased Core Strength And Peripheral Mobility<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the many benefits that athletes have yet to discover is that Pilates helps to improve core strength and peripheral <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/shoulder-flexibility\/\">mobility<\/a>. The assumption among most people is that only strength training programs can improve core strength. However, according to Medicine Net, Pilates have been found to be an effective exercise in improving strength in three core muscles. These are the rectus abdominis (abs\/six-pack), external obliques (abdomen sides), and rectus femoris (leg muscles that make part of your quads) (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides improving core strength, these exercises also help improve mobility of the limbs, better known as peripheral mobility (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Peripheral mobility is paramount for athletes, particularly those who participate in track events.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/store.betterme.world\/collections\/jumpsuits?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ready-20-1.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_Postural_Problems\"><\/span><b>Improved Postural Problems<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the many benefits of Pilates for aged athletes is improved posture. Even before they get into their sport, athletes can get postural problems from daily activities like their sitting and driving posture. Similarly, aged athletes may suffer from postural problems due to muscle tightness, decreased fitness, and muscle weakness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Although there is little proof to indicate that Pilates can improve posture, fitness experts believe that some moves can help correct posture (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reduced_Injury_Risk_And_Increased_Injury_Recovery\"><\/span><b>Reduced Injury Risk And Increased Injury Recovery<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injuries are rampant among athletes. Luckily, some of them can be prevented when athletes tackle muscle weakness, stiffness, imbalance, and inflexibility. These issues are met by performing various Pilates exercises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some Pilates moves can also be used to promote injury recovery. However, we suggest you talk to your doctor to tailor an effective Pilates workout plan for injury recovery, precisely one that accounts for your injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ready-8-1.png\" \/><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-basics\/\">Pilates Basics: A Guide On This Low-Impact Workout<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Promoting_Body_Rebalancing\"><\/span><b>Promoting Body Rebalancing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most athletes are required to use their muscles repeatedly and in the same way. For example, runners will be required to use their leg muscles in the same way. However, with time, these muscles become weak, leading to an imbalance in the body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). An imbalance is dangerous for any athlete as it increases injury risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates can help correct this imbalance as the moves strengthen the weak muscles and move your leg muscles in different directions and orientations (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Some moves are also unilateral, and performing them helps strengthen each muscle group individually to fight stiffness and weakness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/pilates\/article.htm#what_is_the_origin_of_pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Athletes_Perform_Pilates_If_They_Have_Health_Conditions\"><\/span><b>Can Athletes Perform Pilates If They Have Health Conditions?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like with any other exercise program, you must talk to your doctor before starting a Pilates workout routine. Consultation is mandatory if you have diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. Here is an overview of how health conditions may affect you when working out with Pilates:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/store.betterme.world\/products\/sculpt-recovery-kit-pink?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ready-18-1.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diabetes\"><\/span><b>Diabetes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have diabetes, your doctor may suggest changing your diabetes treatment plan if you want to perform a Pilates routine. This is because Pilates helps build muscle mass, which may help the body utilize glucose in a better manner (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/a-z\/what-is-pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be very forthcoming and straightforward about your condition during the consultation. For example, complications like diabetic retinopathy. Such difficulties may worsen with various Pilates moves.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arthritis\"><\/span><b>Arthritis<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Athletes who have arthritis can incorporate a Pilates routine as it helps in building muscle strength (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/a-z\/what-is-pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). According to WebMD, this exercise helps curb arthritis symptoms, maintaining joint flexibility, ideal body weight, and balance (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/a-z\/what-is-pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Knee_Injury\"><\/span><b>Knee Injury<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also need to talk to your doctor if you recently had a knee or back injury. Some Pilates moves may not be advisable to perform with an injured back or knee. That said, other moves can strengthen the quads and help minimize knee injury and arthritis risk (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/a-z\/what-is-pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chronic_Lower_Back_Pain\"><\/span><b>Chronic Lower Back Pain<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athlete or not, you may experience chronic lower back pain. Although Pilates is a good choice in curbing lower back pain, it is best to ask your doctor before starting such an exercise program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Gym-workout.png\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pregnancy\"><\/span><b>Pregnancy<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also need to talk to your doctor if you think or are pregnant. Some Pilates moves that require you to lay on your back are not safe to perform in the first trimester. According to WebMD, such moves reduce blood flow to your baby (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/a-z\/what-is-pilates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe will keep you laser-focused on your weight loss journey! Nutrient-packed meal plans, fat-blasting workouts, galvanizing challenges, and much more. <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1416&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\">Try using the app and see<\/a> for yourself!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yoga_Vs_Pilates_For_Athletes_Which_Is_Better\"><\/span><b>Yoga Vs. Pilates For Athletes: Which Is Better?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another common debate among athletes is which is the most superior exercise program to perform, yoga or Pilates. Experts acknowledge that both are excellent low intensity and low impact exercises to perform for various reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to them, both yoga and Pilates have various benefits on both physical and mental health. These include improved posture, muscle toning, flexibility, weight management, cardiovascular functioning, and stress reduction (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6732550\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The experts further state that yoga and Pilates are essential exercises in athletes because they reduce injury risk by increasing their range of motion, balancing muscle development, and improving balance with functional movements (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6732550\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other reason why experts believe these two exercises are crucial for athletes is that they promote mental clarity and improve coping capability (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6732550\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). They also help individuals performing them reduce their stress levels and concentrate on positive thoughts (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6732550\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonetheless, they recommend that athletes develop both workout plans by seeking advice from their doctor and trainer. Remember that an athlete&#8217;s workout plan has to meet various needs, so it must be customized to meet their individual needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/two-photos-collage-1920x1200-11.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athletes can perform both yoga and Pilates as they have been found effective, low-intensity workouts. Pilates for athletes helps in improving flexibility, peripheral mobility, stability, stability, and mental well-being. They also help in rebalancing the body and reducing injury risk. Make sure you talk to your doctor before adding this exercise to your workouts.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Athletes have unique requirements when it comes to their training programs. Some will focus on specific activities, while others choose all-rounded programs to excel in their sport. Experts acknowledge that the best training program for athletes is one that meets their needs and is well-rounded. This means it has to incorporate strength training, cardio, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":70350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,201],"tags":[],"coauthors":[114],"class_list":["post-27257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-betterme-fitness","category-pilates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance? - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do Pilates for athletes help their sports performance in any way? Here is everything you need to know about Pilates exercises for athletes, including the best moves to perform.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do Pilates for athletes help their sports performance in any way? Here is everything you need to know about Pilates exercises for athletes, including the best moves to perform.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-01-23T19:19:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/\u0437\u0430\u0431\u0440\u0430\u043b\u0430-1-1024x640.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"R. Mogeni\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"R. Mogeni\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"R. Mogeni\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/7285c42d3689269edf755dc8d9a7df00\"},\"headline\":\"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance?\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-23T19:19:04+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/\"},\"wordCount\":1546,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0-1.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Fitness\",\"Pilates\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Athletes have unique requirements when it comes to their training programs. Some will focus on specific activities, while others choose all-rounded programs to excel in their sport. Experts acknowledge that the best training program for athletes is one that meets their needs and is well-rounded. This means it has to incorporate strength training, cardio, and other exercises like Pilates. Here is a comprehensive overview of Pilates for athletes.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<a href=\\\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\\\"><img class=\\\"aligncenter\\\" src=\\\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/two-photos-collage-1920x1200-11.png\\\" \/><\/a>\\r\\n\\r\\n&nbsp;\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Are Pilates Exercises?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Pilates refers to a group of exercises that combines at least fifty repetitive moves to help create muscular exertion (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). Experts advocate these workouts due to their long list of benefits, some of which include increased muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and improving posture and balance (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Experts also recommend these exercises because they are based on five crucial principles. These include deep breathing, rib and scapular stabilization, cervical alignment, pelvic mobility, and utilization of the transversus abdominis (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">These principles help the individual perfo ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/\",\"name\":\"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance? - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0-1.png\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-23T19:19:04+00:00\",\"description\":\"Do Pilates for athletes help their sports performance in any way? 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She believes adopting such a lifestyle is easy, as long as you are consistent, hopeful, and disciplined.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/rodahmogeni\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance? - BetterMe","description":"Do Pilates for athletes help their sports performance in any way? Here is everything you need to know about Pilates exercises for athletes, including the best moves to perform.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance?","og_description":"Do Pilates for athletes help their sports performance in any way? Here is everything you need to know about Pilates exercises for athletes, including the best moves to perform.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2025-01-23T19:19:04+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/\u0437\u0430\u0431\u0440\u0430\u043b\u0430-1-1024x640.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"R. Mogeni","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"R. Mogeni","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/"},"author":{"name":"R. Mogeni","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/7285c42d3689269edf755dc8d9a7df00"},"headline":"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance?","dateModified":"2025-01-23T19:19:04+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/"},"wordCount":1546,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0-1.png","articleSection":["Fitness","Pilates"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athletes have unique requirements when it comes to their training programs. Some will focus on specific activities, while others choose all-rounded programs to excel in their sport. Experts acknowledge that the best training program for athletes is one that meets their needs and is well-rounded. This means it has to incorporate strength training, cardio, and other exercises like Pilates. Here is a comprehensive overview of Pilates for athletes.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Pilates_For_Athletes\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/two-photos-collage-1920x1200-11.png\" \/><\/a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Are Pilates Exercises?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates refers to a group of exercises that combines at least fifty repetitive moves to help create muscular exertion (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Experts advocate these workouts due to their long list of benefits, some of which include increased muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and improving posture and balance (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts also recommend these exercises because they are based on five crucial principles. These include deep breathing, rib and scapular stabilization, cervical alignment, pelvic mobility, and utilization of the transversus abdominis (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3666467\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These principles help the individual perfo ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/","name":"Pilates For Athletes: Do They Need Them For Improved Performance? - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-for-athletes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0-1.png","dateModified":"2025-01-23T19:19:04+00:00","description":"Do Pilates for athletes help their sports performance in any way? 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