Pilates for athletes or sport performance

MAT PILATES BENEFITS FOR CYCLISTS

Mat Pilates is uniquely beneficial for cyclists because it addresses the physical imbalances caused by the repetitive, "hunched" nature of riding.

While cycling builds massive power in your quads and glutes, it often leaves the deep stabilizer muscles weak and the front of the body tight.

Here are the primary benefits of matwork for your time in the saddle:

A strong core acts as a solid anchor. Without it, your pelvis rocks side-to-side with every pedal stroke, wasting energy.

The Result: Mat exercises like the The Hundred or Plank variations teach you to keep your torso rock-steady. This ensures every bit of energy generated by your legs goes directly into the pedals rather than being "leaked" through a wobbly spine.

Cyclists spend hours in spinal flexion (rounded back), which leads to tight hip flexors and a weak upper back.

The Benefit: Pilates focus on extension (e.g., Swan or Swimming) counteracts the "cycling slouch." It strengthens the spinal extensors and opens the chest, making it easier to maintain an aerodynamic position for longer periods without neck or shoulder fatigue.

Cycling is a linear sport, meaning you move in one plane.

This often leads to "quad dominance" and "lazy" glutes or hamstrings, which can cause knee and hip pain.

The Benefit: Matwork emphasizes lateral and rotational movements (e.g., Side Kick Series or Criss-Cross). These strengthen the gluteus medius and improve hip tracking, which keeps your knees moving in a straight line and prevents IT band syndrome.

When you are hunched over the handlebars, your diaphragm is often compressed, leading to shallow breathing.

The Benefit: Pilates teaches "lateral costal breathing"—expanding the ribcage sideways. This allows you to take deep, efficient breaths even when your core is braced and you’re tucked in an aero position.

If you are part of a cycling club and would like to have great fun doing some Pilates exercises, please contact me for more information.

You will need a room and the cyclists bring their own mats. Minimum 10 people.

Looking forward to hearing from you.