I know there are a lot of you out there that enjoy running and why wouldn’t you? There are many benefits not only physically but also mentally. Unfortunately problems may arise, usually in the form of pain, which can be attributed to overuse and incorrect posture.  Thankfully that type of discomfort can be counteracted so you can continue to gain the benefit without the injury.

As someone who enjoys running – albeit on a somewhat (completely) irregular basis I find Pilates (the creator Joseph Pilates pictured above) a fantastic compliment to my runs. One of the reasons for my irregularity is fear of knee pain.  I’ve had issues with hyperextension mostly in my right knee and it’s that disconcerting clickity clack which gives rise to my hesitation. However I’ve found that the more I concentrate on the Pilates form and breath when I do go on a run the less pain I feel in my joints. I found a few articles on running and one of the common denominators throughout is good posture.

This article from Runner’s World directs you to “Look ahead naturally, not down at your feet, and scan the horizon. This will straighten your neck and back, and bring them into alignment.” http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/perfect form?page=single. Another article I found helpful was here http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=823. I was drawn in by the first paragraph because it stated that “There is not one “correct” way to run. You should run the way that is most comfortable and efficient for you.” The article at http://beta.active.com/running/articles/check-your-form-running-with-correct-biomechanics stated something similar “If you’ve been running injury-free for years, it probably doesn’t make sense to drastically change your gait.” Both of these articles really impressed me because they acknowledged that everyone is different and that you should go by what your body tells you. I also enjoyed the emphasis placed on not wasting energy and being efficient with your movement. This is a main tenet of classical Pilates, moves are done slowly and deliberately in order to get the most benefit from the workout in the least amount of time. I have found that when I go running with continual activation of the core my joints take much less of a beating. I feel aching in my core and really in no place else. This is ideal because the core can take it – your joints not so much. That’s why in strength training it’s usually recommended to alternate days in working major muscle groups but NOT the abs. There are no joints in the abdominal area to worry about stressing. Of course it goes without saying (but I am anyway) if you have had injury in the abdominal area this may not apply to you.

One last article I thought worth sharing is here http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/running/training/pilates-for-runners.htm. I think it does a good job of explaining how you can really benefit by adding Pilates to your fitness routine. It also states “You don’t even have to do Pilates every day to see results. According to experts and several runners we talked to, just adding one Pilates workout each week will make a difference.” The article also describes several different exercises you can do to help your form. So runners, if you’re looking to improve your running experience I heartily recommend that you add some Pilates into your weekly routine. I certainly know that it has improved mine!