Review of Pilates for Runners: Keeping Miles Honest

Snapshot
Running is repetitive; Pilates is balancing. Use it to stabilise hips, free ankles, and keep posture resilient so form doesn’t unravel at kilometre eight.

What it is
Low‑impact strength and control work for the trunk, hips and feet. Think clams, single‑leg bridges, footwork, thoracic rotation.

Who it suits
- New runners gathering miles.
- Seasoned runners with calf/Achilles grumbles or a nagging hip drop.

Strengths
- Better hip control, less overstriding.
- Feeds elastic recoil via calmer ribcage and pelvis.
- Complements long runs without extra impact.

Watch‑outs
- Don’t chase burn for its own sake; aim for calm, precise reps.
- Progress slowly around flare‑prone tendons.

How to try
- Glute bridge march: 3×8 each.
- Side‑lying clam (light band): 2×12.
- Foot doming + calf raises: 2×10.
- Open book: 2×6 breaths each.
Do 2–3 times weekly; short and regular beats sporadic heroics.

Verdict
Pilates won’t replace intervals, but it can make every stride more economical. That’s worth a lot by mile ten.

-Mariam