Why Pilates?

Pilates is a full body conditioning program developed in the 1920's by Joseph Pilates. His revolutionary program focuses on training the mind and body to work together more effectively and efficiently. Pilates dramatically transforms the way the body looks, feels, and performs by incorporating modern exercise science and rehabilitation principles, eliminating contraindicated movements while emphasising neutral alignment, core stability and peripheral mobility. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body and a flat abdomen. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement whilst improving flexibility, agility and economy of motion.

Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, footballers can re-train their body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for optimal performance during a game, and for injury recovery, good posture and optimal health. Pilates builds a foundation of strength and flexibility that creates a better balanced body.

The core is central to all movements that the body makes, so a strong developed core is essential to achieve maximum performance. The flexibility and strengthening exercises that Pilates teaches will build overall fitness and endurance.

Whilst many training programs will include some core work, it is often the case that not enough emphasis is placed upon core training. One of the many benefits of Pilates is that the body is actually stretched whilst doing the exercises, so a physically challenging session can still leave the player feeling invigorated, focused, and ready for more training.

In the past, football training concentrated on a limited range of muscles which were often overworked. This training and the neglect of weaker or smaller muscle groups often leads to injury. Adding specific Pilates training to the footballer's regular sport regime will assure balance in muscle development. Pilates will build a foundation from the inside out, so the strength built in the core radiates out to the extremities. Muscle groups are developed that are not directly involved in the regular training, which establishes stability and muscle balance.

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

Many injuries would be avoidable if more attention was paid to muscle balance. Common injuries include groin injuries, hamstring strains, cruciate ligament injuries, ankle injuries, trauma injuries from tackles, and back problems. A lot of problems arise out of muscle imbalance as footballers will typically have strong, over-worked quadriceps and tight hamstrings, shortened anterior ankle muscles, tight calf and hip flexor muscles, overworked back extensors, weak gluteals, multifidus and transversus abdominal muscles.

This all leads to poor pelvic and trunk stability, and poor flexibility. The obvious imbalances caused by favouring one foot will also have a major impact. Pilates can deal with and rectify all of these issues

Pilates works with the body to help it recover from injury. It will strengthen the area around the injury before working the injury site itself, providing the movement necessary to get the blood to flow, and focusing on proper alignment and attention to range of movement.

Warming up and Cooling Down

Pilates is also an invaluable for warming-up and cooling-down, as it is a low-intensity aerobic exercise that reverses gravity and releases tension in the joints. It improves blood circulation, and provides a quick and efficient recovery of stiff, shortened muscles. It is also invaluable for concentrating the mind on the game ahead. Because all Pilates exercises must be executed with control and concentration, players will become more aware of how their mind controls the body's movements.

Why use Football Core Strength?

We offer tailor-made training by fully qualified instructors in either one-on-one or team sessions. We can work alongside existing training and rehabilitation methods to enhance current systems. To arrange a discussion with one of our representatives, please contact us.