Do you love playing tennis but struggle with certain aspects of your game? Perhaps you’re not as flexible as you’d like to be or your endurance could use a boost. Luckily, Pilates can help you overcome these challenges and improve your tennis game.  Keep reading to learn more about how this exercise regimen can help make you a better player.

1. Pilates improves your balance

Balance and stability are important for athletes, and especially important for tennis players. Every shot in tennis requires quick changes in direction.  A lack of balance can lead to instability. 

Pilates is a great way to improve both balance and stability. The key to pilates is movements that focus on the core muscles. This helps to develop the muscles that are responsible for balance and stability. Plus, pilates exercises often involve moving the body in different planes of motion. This develops proprioception, the ability to sense the position of your body in space.  Increasing your proprioception with balanced, will improve your balance and accuracy of game.

2. Pilates can increase your power and strength

Many people think of pilates as a gentle form of exercise, but it can actually be quite powerful.  Working the deep abdominal and back muscles, pilates increases your strength and power. This is beneficial for tennis players who need to generate force while hitting the ball. 

3. Pilates improves breathing and circulation, both important for endurance during a long game

Tennis is a demanding sport that requires both physical and mental endurance. To sustain a long game, it’s important to have good breathing and circulation. Pilates is a form of exercise that can help improve both of these things. Pilates helps to lengthen and expand the chest, allowing for improved deep breathing. Additionally, Pilates is a full body workout, increasing circulation by moving blood through your body. As a result, Pilates can be a great way to prepare for a long game of tennis by improving breathing and circulation.

4. Pilates can help prevent injuries by strengthening your muscles and improving your flexibility

As any tennis player knows, the game requires a high level of fitness. Not only do you need to have strong muscles, but you also need to be flexible and agile.  This combination is often hard to achieve, and many players end up getting injured as a result. Pilates helps prevent injuries with a well-rounded workout that strengthens and stretches you. For example, the “rollup” improves spinal and hamstring flexibility while challenging core muscles.  Include Pilates in your training regimen to reduce risk of injury and improve your game.

5. Pilates addresses imbalances in your body

Tennis requires split-second decisions, explosive movements, and a keen sense of balance. Unfortunately, imbalances in your body can lead to injury and reduced performance. That’s where Pilates comes in. Pilates builds muscle, flexibility and coordination in a balanced way.  As you move through the exercises, you’ll become aware of any imbalances.  With a consistent Pilates practice and well trained instructor, this will improve.

If you want to take your tennis game up a notch, consider adding Pilates to your routine. Pilates improves balance and stability, increases power and strength, improves breathing and circulation, and prevents injuries. ProHealth Pilates in Peachtree City is the perfect place to start!  Feel strong and confident on the tennis courts this summer.  Give them a call today to set up an appointment!