Swimming is a great exercise that improves your health and fitness. But did you know that Pilates can also help improve your swimming? As the weather warms us and many of us take a dip in the pool, consider Pilates a great addition to your swimming regime.  Keep reading to find out how Pilates is perfect for cross training with swimming.

Here are four ways Pilates can make you a better swimmer.

1. Pilates improve your swimming by increasing your strength and power

Pilates improves core strength and flexibility, which is also beneficial for swimmers.  Pilates works the deep core muscles, or “the powerhouse”.   Strong arms and legs are needed to swim, but core muscles support your entire body in the water. As a result, incorporating Pilates into your training regimen can help you swim faster and with greater efficiency.

2. Pilates creates better body awareness and alignment, helping you swim with more efficiency

Pilates emphasizes proper alignment and controlled movement.  Both of which are important for efficient swimming.  It takes a lot of strength to move through the resistance of water.  When you complete strokes with efficiency, you preserve energy.  This helps you swim longer, with greater ease and increased speed.  Pilates helps lengthen and tone muscles, so you’ll also enjoy improved muscular endurance.

3. Pilates prevents common swimming injuries, such as shoulder pain and lower back pain

Many swimmers experience pain in the shoulders and lower back. But there are ways to prevent these injuries from happening.

Pilates has many exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and spine.  This helps support an area that’s often overworked when swimming.  Pilates exercises on the mat, reformer and in Pilates circuit class can help.   You’ll increase range of motion, build strength and create balance on both sides of the torso.  Incorporate Pilates into your training regimen to reduce risk of injuries while swimming.

4. Pilates improves your breathing technique, essential for swimming

Swimming is great exercise, but it requires good breathing technique to be effective. That’s where Pilates comes in. 

Joseph Pilates saw that people breathe shallow, only bringing air to the top of the lungs. This limits the flow of air, increases stress, and zaps your energy. We need to take full, deep breaths to oxygenate the blood.

Pilates helps to open the chest and lungs and strengthens abdominal muscles.  Both are important for breathing while swimming. Also, Pilates teaches you to control your breath and to use it efficiently. As a swimmer, increasing lung capacity improves your swimmer.  With deeper breathing you will swim longer and stronger.

Pilates can help improve your swimming in many ways. If you’re looking to increase your strength and flexibility, or want to learn how to swim with more efficiency and power, Pilates is a great option.   Try Pilates for yourself.  We invite you to visit ProHealth Pilates in Peachtree City. Our experienced instructors will help you enjoy your swimming even more.