As strength coaches, we're constantly looking for ways to enhance our training programs and reduce the risk of injuries, but many of us overlook one powerful modality: Pilates. I used to be skeptical too, but adding Pilates to my routine has significantly improved my hip health and overall mobility. The results I've seen with both myself and athletes have convinced me—Pilates isn't just for rehabilitation or non-athletes; it's a serious performance enhancer.
Many strength coaches dismiss Pilates as ineffective for high-performance athletes, thinking it's only for pregnant women or those in rehab. This misconception is costing your athletes potential gains in performance and injury resilience. Traditional strength training often takes a piecemeal approach, isolating muscle groups without teaching the body how to work cohesively. This disconnection leads to power leaks, compensatory movement patterns, and eventually, injury. If you're ignoring the fascial system and deep core function, you're missing a critical component of athletic development.
I was one of those skeptical coaches, relying solely on traditional strength training methods. Despite my extensive knowledge of periodization and programming, I struggled with persistent hip tightness and mobility issues. I tried everything from aggressive stretching to mobility drills, but the relief was always temporary. When athletes came to me with similar issues, I prescribed the same approaches, often with limited success. I knew something was missing from my toolkit.
That's when I met Erica Zile, a Pilates instructor who has worked with NFL athletes. She introduced me to a completely different approach to movement and core training. Rather than just focusing on isolated muscle groups, she taught me how the fascial system connects the entire body, from toe to head. She showed me how improper breathing patterns and gripping in the core can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction and back pain. Most importantly, she demonstrated that true strength comes from learning to engage the body with less effort—a concept that initially seemed counterintuitive to my "go hard or go home" mentality.
I began incorporating weekly Pilates sessions into my routine, and the transformation was remarkable. My chronic hip tightness improved dramatically. My core strength increased, but in a different way—I felt more connected from my feet through my torso to my shoulders. This internal strength translated directly to improved performance in the weight room and on the field.
The athletes I've recommended Pilates to have reported similar benefits: better body awareness, improved recovery between training sessions, and enhanced performance in their sport-specific movements. One football player even noted that his sprint times improved after just six weeks of adding Pilates to his training regimen.
If you're ready to incorporate Pilates into your or your athletes' training, here are some key points to remember:
Many strength coaches dismiss Pilates as ineffective for high-performance athletes, thinking it's only for pregnant women or those in rehab. This misconception is costing your athletes potential gains in performance and injury resilience. Traditional strength training often takes a piecemeal approach, isolating muscle groups without teaching the body how to work cohesively. This disconnection leads to power leaks, compensatory movement patterns, and eventually, injury. If you're ignoring the fascial system and deep core function, you're missing a critical component of athletic development.
I was one of those skeptical coaches, relying solely on traditional strength training methods. Despite my extensive knowledge of periodization and programming, I struggled with persistent hip tightness and mobility issues. I tried everything from aggressive stretching to mobility drills, but the relief was always temporary. When athletes came to me with similar issues, I prescribed the same approaches, often with limited success. I knew something was missing from my toolkit.
That's when I met Erica Zile, a Pilates instructor who has worked with NFL athletes. She introduced me to a completely different approach to movement and core training. Rather than just focusing on isolated muscle groups, she taught me how the fascial system connects the entire body, from toe to head. She showed me how improper breathing patterns and gripping in the core can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction and back pain. Most importantly, she demonstrated that true strength comes from learning to engage the body with less effort—a concept that initially seemed counterintuitive to my "go hard or go home" mentality.
I began incorporating weekly Pilates sessions into my routine, and the transformation was remarkable. My chronic hip tightness improved dramatically. My core strength increased, but in a different way—I felt more connected from my feet through my torso to my shoulders. This internal strength translated directly to improved performance in the weight room and on the field.
The athletes I've recommended Pilates to have reported similar benefits: better body awareness, improved recovery between training sessions, and enhanced performance in their sport-specific movements. One football player even noted that his sprint times improved after just six weeks of adding Pilates to his training regimen.
If you're ready to incorporate Pilates into your or your athletes' training, here are some key points to remember:
- Start with the basics—focus on breathing patterns and pelvic positioning before attempting advanced movements
- Look for instructors who understand athletic performance and the fascial system, not just traditional Pilates
- Begin with once weekly sessions as a complement to strength training, not a replacement
- Be patient—it's like learning a new movement language and the neurological adaptations take time
- Pay attention to how the body feels after Pilates sessions and during subsequent training sessions
