A couple of years ago I bought several Pilates workout DVDs and tried them. I really liked this Denise Austin one the best. I’ve done this workout randomly here and there, not really ever getting into the habit of it, but always thinking I really should, because core strength is so valuable to a triathlete.
Well, last night I decided to start doing this tape regularly. I’m not sure if my core is simply stronger now from my swim team workouts, or if I am just now “getting it”…but Pilates is way easier if you are actually using your core correctly. There are these leg circle exercises that I always hated because they were so hard, and I could never do all of them. I used to think “Why can’t I do these exercises when my leg muscles are so strong from running and biking?”. Last night I was focusing on engaging my core when doing the leg circles, and they were so much easier.
Next time I go swimming or running, I plan on trying to recreate that feeling I get when doing the pilates leg circles… properly engaging my core so my arms and legs don’t have to do much of the work. (The ChiRunning book talks about using core strength to help your legs while you run. The Total Immersion book and my swim coaches talk about using core musces to so your weaker arms and legs don’t have to do all the work.)
Update July 29, 2006: I have recently changed my mind about ChiRunning, and now follow the Pose Method of running. Click here to read why.