Pilates + Running = A Winning Combination

I’d like to share with you the results of a study that came out earlier this year on the exciting benefits that Pilates can have on running performance. Here’s the link to the full article: Read here!

Or if you prefer a quick summary, please read on!

Over the course of 12 weeks, subjects in both the control group and Pilates group participated in racetrack training twice a week. Additionally, each week on non-running days the Pilates group had two one-hour mat Pilates sessions. 

Researchers attached electrodes to specific core and leg muscles to determine muscle activation. Oxygen uptake (reflecting endurance) was also measured, and this was used to determine metabolic cost (the amount of energy needed to run).  Finally, subjects were timed on a 3k run. Go!

Researchers concluded that distance running was enhanced in subjects who added a twice a week, 12 week mat Pilates program to their training. Specifically, they reported that the Pilates group had:

Improved VO2max (reflects endurance and performance capacity),

Reduced energy spent while running

Faster 5K running times

Researchers believe these gains were largely due to core and lumbopelvic stabilization training received through Pilates. 

If you’re ready for enhanced running performance with less energy spent, let’s connect! 

Contact me (email mindfulpilatesandwellness@gmail.com) to get started! I’ve got the training, tools, and commitment to help you reach your running goals and find your true joy in running!

© Ashley Prulliere and Mindful Pilates and Wellness, 2017-2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ashley Prulliere and Mindful Pilates and Wellness with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.