Why Runners Should Be Doing Pilates
Stronger strides. Fewer injuries. A more resilient body.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a personal best in a marathon, running is as much about strength, balance, and recovery as it is about logging miles. And that’s exactly where Pilates comes in.
At Bespoke Wellness Studio, we believe Pilates isn’t just cross-training for runners — it’s essential training.
1. Improve Core Strength for Better Running Efficiency
A strong, stable core is the foundation of every stride. It supports your posture, stabilises your pelvis, and helps transfer power through your limbs. Reformer Pilates targets the deep stabilising muscles of the core that traditional workouts often miss. This improved strength leads to more efficient, economical running — meaning you use less energy with each step.
2. Correct Muscle Imbalances
Running is a repetitive, linear movement that can lead to overuse in some muscles and weakness in others. This imbalance can contribute to common running injuries like IT band syndrome, shin splints, or knee pain. Pilates helps restore balance by strengthening underused muscles (like the glutes and deep hip stabilisers) and improving body awareness — helping runners move better and avoid injuries.
3. Boost Flexibility and Mobility
Tight hip flexors, hamstrings, and calves are frequent complaints among runners. Reformer Pilates combines dynamic stretches and mobility work with strength, giving muscles the length and control they need. This not only improves running stride and range of motion but also helps prevent muscle strains and joint restrictions.
4. Support Injury Prevention and Recovery
With a clinical foundation rooted in physiotherapy, Pilates is often used in injury rehab — but its real strength lies in prevention. By addressing movement dysfunctions, postural habits, and compensations early, Pilates can stop small issues from becoming full-blown injuries. And if you're recovering from an injury, Pilates is a safe, effective way to rebuild strength without high impact.
5. Improve Breathing and Mind-Body Connection
Pilates teaches intentional breathing — something that translates directly to endurance sports like running. Breathing better supports better oxygen flow, reduces tension, and helps you stay calm and focused, especially during long runs or races.
6. Build Mental Resilience and Body Awareness
Running is as much a mental game as it is physical. Pilates helps build a stronger mind-body connection, making you more in tune with how your body moves and feels. This awareness can help you notice early signs of fatigue, poor form, or tightness before it becomes a problem.
Why Runners Love Reformer Pilates at Bespoke Wellness Studio
At Bespoke Wellness Studio, our approach is rooted in both movement and clinical expertise. Our classes are:
- Small and personalised, so you get real attention to form and function
- Backed by physiotherapy insight, supporting safe progression for injured or high-mileage runners
- Designed to complement your running, not compete with it — making you stronger, more mobile, and more efficient
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or new to running, Pilates will help you run smarter, recover faster, and move more confidently.
Ready to strengthen your stride?
Try our
Beginner Reformer Pilates Pack or book into our Reformer for Runners class (coming soon!).
Move your body. Empower your mind. Prevent injury.
