Pilates & Running

One of our favorite clients, Donnie Cowart, is a runner training for the Olympics.  Here is what he said about Pilates and how it has helped him be a better competitive runner:


This winter marks my 17th year as a competitive runner. Heading into the Olympic year with hopeful expectations. I have always used running to challenge myself and push my limits. Year after year I learn new lessons or sometimes I relearn old lessons. One lesson I am often reminded of, and I think every runner can relate, is I need to stay balanced. All my running often leaves me off balanced and weak in certain areas. After listening to people say for years that some NFL players take ballet I decided to broaden my horizons and I went to a Pilates class. Basically I wanted to challenge myself in different ways and just see how my body would respond. After one class I was hooked. In just a short time I had better posture, I was breathing better, my glutes and hips were better balanced. Pilates has proven to challenge me week after week and year after year. From one on one classes with Tiffany to Jump classes with Hope. I have gained better range of motion, better power and explosiveness. I am a faster runner when I’m balanced and more importantly I’m a healthy runner when I’m balanced. Pilates has given me all the tools to stay a balanced healthy athlete. I’m glad I started pilates when I did.

Congratulations to Donnie on his recent gold medal win in the Pan-American XC 10k!  Donnie won with a time of 31:07!  We are so proud of you!  

Blake's Story

One of our amazing clients, Blake Johnson, is an inspiration to all of us.  Here is what he has to say about his experience at ISP:

"I would like to take a moment to thank Amy Dixon at Inner Strength Pilates for taking the time to work with me over the past few months. I was injured last February leaving me paralyzed the chest down. I've tried a lot of different therapies, all of which has been a new experience. Since dealing with Amy at Inner Strength Pilates studio, I've learned to be more in touch with parts of my body. While I still can't move from the chest down, I feel there is definitely energy moving throughout my body. Amy has taught me how to focus, and to see that energy moving through my arms and legs. It is very important for me to keep that memory going through my body for any future improvements. The equipment Amy has, has helped me focus more on ranges of motion, and motor skills while taking the weight or removing gravity from my arms while I work. Amy has also worked extensively with my shoulder which has been in pain for quite some time. I'm in pain from tightness of some of the muscles that aren't being used anymore and Amy takes time to work that out and I feel better every time I leave her studio. I've never taken time to try Pilates in the past but I'm very thankful that Amy has agreed to work with me and show me some things that I've been missing. I can see how Pilates would be helpful for anyone regardless of their health. So once again thank you Amy Dixon and for everyone at inner strength Pilates for allowing me to come into your studio and work. Pilates is definitely a tool for your over all well-being."

We are honored to support Blake Johnson and invite you to learn more about how you can help.   Follow Blake's journey on his Facebook page, Blake is Unstoppable.

 

What to eat before a Pilates class

We get asked what clients should eat before taking a Pilates class.  One of our instructors, who is also a nutrition coach, suggests a few options:


nuts
cottage cheese
yogurt
peanut butter or other nut butter
apple
banana


Try to eat 1 to 2 hours before class.  The recommendation is to eat atleast 2 hours before a jumpboard class in order to burn fat and not the sugar.