Unlocking Your Athletic Potential: Benefits of Resistance Pilates for Athletes
As any athlete knows, keeping your body in peak condition is key to achieving maximum performance. And while there are plenty of workout routines out there that promise to boost your strength and flexibility, few can rival the benefits of resistance Pilates with Corefirst. From helping you prevent injuries to improving your overall range of motion, this low-impact exercise regimen has become a go-to for athletes looking to take their game to the next level. High-quality training deserves high-quality materials, and with Corefirst, not only do you have materials that last 15x longer than other similar products on the market and a comprehensive training program in your pocket, but a supportive team of Corefirst enthusiasts, trainers, and support staff at the ready! So if you're ready to learn how incorporating Corefirst into your training routine could give you an edge over the competition, keep reading!
WHAT IS COREFIRST?
In order to perform at the top of their fields, athletes, dancers, and models have practiced Pilates to achieve the performance and physique they desire and need. However, it has always felt out-of-reach for the average person, and it is (and always has been) so much more than the aesthetic benefits it provides. After all these years, Pilates is finally emerging as an exercise form that is appropriate and beneficial for people of all physical abilities and can be practiced for a lifetime to increase both health and longevity. In spite of this, Resistance Pilates (like a Pilates reformer) has remained somewhat exclusive for many people, available only to those who could afford studio memberships or Pilates reformer machines to use at home. That was until Corefirst was created.
Pilates studios and professional instructors prefer our Resistance Pilates Systems over other bands and reformer alternatives. In addition to offering maximum comfort, Corefirst resistance bands also feature neoprene wrap technology that ensures they stay securely in place no matter what. By doing so, the use you can “let go” and focus on the specific muscle groups you are training. A Pilates practice with Corefirst Systems is among the best in the world, not only for performance but also for safety. In many cases, our customers report that they actually feel safer using their Corefirst System than balancing on an actual Pilates Reformer machine!
Additionally, the wraps are easy to install anywhere in your home. Our equipment can be harnessed in a door jam or secured under a couch leg, making it easy to use anywhere. The systems weigh less than 3 lbs. and are about the size of a small shoebox, so they're ideal for athletes taking it on-the-go to competitions, gym training sessions, and maybe even the Olympics one day!
Moreover, our in-App programming is second to none. With 8 full-length series (in 15-minute and 30-minute variations), pilot programs, 100+ movement-specific videos, regularly scheduled fitness challenges, and a community full of supporters, weekly discussions, and wellness articles, you are set up for success from day 1. You have a Pilates studio in your pocket!
Want to see what we mean? Head to our Free workout collection and try it out!
BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE PILATES FOR ATHLETES
Resistance Pilates is a form of exercise that uses controlled movements to strengthen the body, improve flexibility and range of motion, and prevent injury. It can be used as a standalone workout or as part of a larger fitness program. Many athletes utilize this method to supplement their training, and physical therapists use it to help patients recover from injuries. When you think about Resistance Pilates, the focus is to assist rather than work against users. Similar to a reformer, this style of Pilates makes exercises less intense and works multiple muscle groups in harmony. It increases safety with each move- making it popular for those recovering from injuries or surgery; it encourages slower movement to maximize benefits, resulting in faster-yet-effortless progress toward set goals.
Not sure where to start? Our latest program is fantastic for beginners!
1.) ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY
Many athletes neglect flexibility training in favor of other types of workouts, but this can be detrimental to performance. The use of assistive tension can help improve your range of motion and flexibility over time, and prevent injuries by strengthening the muscles around your joints. This allows areas of the body to stretch rather than snap when making sudden, jerky movements or falling. Think of a cup falling on the floor... the goal is for it to bounce or produce a minor crack (at most), rather than immediately shatter.
Here at Corefirst, we have a specialized Stretch Program consisting of twelve, 10-15 minute flows! These quick, bite-sized videos are easy to include in your daily life. Worried about not knowing what to do? Don't worry, you will have plenty of guidance from our certified trainers in every series....What, did you think we were just going to throw you in the deep? Never.
2.) IMPROVED BALANCE, COORDINATION, AND SPATIAL AWARENESS
Pilates is often thought of as a feminine workout, however, it can be extremely beneficial for all genders and identities when it comes to athletic endeavors. Not only does it help with injury prevention, but Pilates improves balance, coordination, and control.
Corefirst training helps improve an athlete's balance and coordination by strengthening the deep abdominal muscles. Our workouts give athletes the ability to better control their movement, making them more intentional and controlled, thus preventing injuries and often giving more “power” to the explosive and aggressive movements you typically see in various sports. The stretching and lengthening exercises included in each of our Corefirst workouts help improve range of motion and flexibility, both of which are essential for any athlete. The purposeful movements and focus on breath work help students develop an awareness of their bodies and how to move correctly, making them more "in-tune" with their baseline and quicker at learning when an injury may be present or their form is incorrect. This can minimize the risk of overuse injuries, strains, and sprains.
If an athlete does get injured, the benefits they worked towards for their performance, also translate to improved recovery times. Resistance training through Pilates is often recommended by physical therapists to retrain motor learning, improve strength in a low-impact way, and provide a method of combining all areas of rehabilitation (strength training, flexibility, mind-body connection, and slow/controlled movement); a combination that can be very difficult to find outside of Pilates.
3.) STRENGTH TRAINING WITHOUT OVERLOADING MUSCLES
In addition to enhancing flexibility, resistance Pilates can also increase strength without overloading your muscles. The exercises target all major muscle groups, including the abdominals, back, legs, and arms. This helps build a strong foundation for other activities that require power and coordination, such as basketball, football, gymnastics, dance, tennis, etc. The harmonious intrinsic nature of working multiple muscle groups at once leads to increase functional training; this allows you to create muscle memory that translates into more supported, engaged, and intentional daily movements and athletic performance.
Pro tip: Check out our Strength Program for a comprehensive series to build muscle tone!
4.) IMPROVES MENTAL FOCUS AND ENDURANCE
The mind-body benefits of regular resistance Pilates training are often underestimated by athletes. However, the discipline can help to improve mental focus and endurance, both of which are essential for high-level performance. It requires a high degree of concentration and control. In order to execute the exercises correctly, athletes must focus on their breath and form, and breathing through discomfort and repetitive motions. This level of focus can help to develop mental toughness and stamina, which is beneficial in any sport and in life! Your posture and alignment also gain improvement. Aesthetically, this is a pleasing benefit for sports like dance and gymnastics, however, this also prevents aches and pains down the road as well, allowing the body to move more efficiently from the start.
COMBINING COREFIRST WITH OTHER TRADITIONAL FORMS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING
Pilates was originally developed as a rehabilitation method for injured soldiers, and it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of injuries. The low-impact nature of resistance Pilates and its ability to combine all the "core" features of a workout program (flexibility, strength, cardio, and endurance training) makes it ideal for athletes in performance training, injury prevention, and recovery. By incorporating even just a quick 15-minute Corefirst workout a few times a week into your training regimen, you can improve your range of motion and prevent injuries caused by muscle imbalances.
But don't get us wrong, resistance Pilates is a major player when it comes to improving your overall strength and power. The stabilizing core strength and simultaneous engagement of multiple muscle groups at a time will allow you to see significant gains in a way that is safe and require less effort and impact compared to running or weight lifting.
Corefirst Pilates is a great program for athletes due to its holistic benefits, accessibility, and affordability. Whether you are an elite athlete or just enjoy playing recreational sports and want to stay healthy longer -give Corefirst a try!
