When establishing a running routine, think of the physical benefits. Improving cardiovascular health, having strong legs, and weight loss may be at the top of your mind. However, an often underrated benefit of running is the mental fortitude you’ll build while pushing toward the finish line. Building a strong and resilient mindset will be essential in sustaining a running habit. A healthy mind-body connection is one aspect of this, and Pilates is an excellent avenue for doing that. In this blog post, you’ll learn how running, and Pilates is a winning combination for mental health and endurance.

How Pilates helps with mental health and running

1. Stress Reduction:

Pilates focuses on deep breathing and controlled movements, which can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. You can then transfer this into your breathing technique during running or as a warm-up and cool-down after your run.

2. Improved Mood:

Regular exercise, including Pilates, is known to boost endorphins, which can enhance mood and help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Core Strength:

Pilates emphasizes core strength, which is crucial for runners. A strong core helps maintain proper running form and improves balance.

4. Increasing Bodily Awareness:

Correct alignment is essential for efficient running. During Pilates, you’ll learn how to focus on proper alignment in your body and become more tuned into how you move.

5. Injury Prevention:

Pilates can help prevent common running injuries related to overuse or muscle imbalances by strengthening and stabilizing your core muscles and improving body mechanics.

How to increase mental stamina for running

Increasing mental stamina for running is like building physical stamina—gradually challenging yourself and developing resilience. When you start a run, decide how far and where you will run and how you’ll approach it mentally. Here are a few tips on how to increase mental stamina for running.

1. Set Clear Goals
2. Build a Routine
3. Use Positive Self-Talk
4. Embrace Discomfort
5. Stay Mentally Engaged with Music or a Podcast
6. Rest and Recover

Does Pilates help with endurance

Yes, Pilates can improve endurance, particularly in activities like running. Pilates isn’t a cardiovascular exercise unless you’re working on the jump board; however, it does help with endurance indirectly in several ways. Here’s how.

1. Core Strength: 

Pilates emphasizes strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. A strong core provides better stability and balance, enhancing overall endurance and performance during activities like running.

2. Improved Posture: 

By focusing on core strength, healthy alignment, and proper body mechanics, Pilates helps improve posture. Better posture can reduce fatigue and prevent injuries, contributing to sustained endurance during physical activities.

3. Muscle Imbalance Correction:

Pilates helps address and correct muscle imbalances by strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight ones. Balanced muscle development supports better overall performance and stamina.

4. Breathing Techniques:

Pilates incorporates specific breathing techniques that can improve oxygen flow and efficiency. Better breathing control can enhance endurance by optimizing how your body uses oxygen during exercise.

5. Improved Efficiency: 

The principles of Pilates—such as controlled movement and proper alignment—can help improve overall efficiency in other physical activities. This efficiency can translate to better endurance.

Pilates is an excellent match for runners looking to improve their mental well-being and mind-body connection. ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates in Peachtree City, GA, has a full schedule of Pilates classes both in studio and online. Book your class today.