Chris Judd: A Pilates Primer

Personally, I found Pilates beneficial when it came to muscle control. I’ve tried yoga for flexibility, but I saw such a benefit to engaging small intrinsic muscles with Pilates. Those groups are difficult to strengthen with traditional weight exercises because your larger muscles take over. I was really homing in on spinal mobility and building small muscles in the glutes – as well as some light ab-work.

Then, of course, a lot of people enjoy the mindfulness component of Pilates. When I was doing it regularly, I’d approach it like I was paying an insurance premium on my own body. I was really putting a down payment on my own ability to do the exercise I wanted to in the future. If you’re considering starting Pilates – or any training, really – think of it as an investment in yourself.

I’ve got to say, Pilates is one of the few kinds of exercise where I can wake up the day after doing it and actually feel better. Usually, if you’re sore and you go for a run or jump on the bike, you’re going to wake up feeling even worse for wear. But with Pilates – if you’ve been doing it right – you should see an improvement.

One of the biggest advantages I see from using regular Pilates training as a complementary exercise is it has the ability to help you fix physical problems you’re experiencing. If you’re having a persistent problem and you go to see a physio or myotherapist – they’ll be able to diagnose it, but it’s still going to take effort on your part to fix the issue.

Of course, it’s also great as a stand-alone exercise tool. My approach was always more results driven, but if your body is sound and able then Pilates can really help you push the limits of what you can achieve. It’s similar to running – you say you’re into it and that covers everything from 400 metres around the block to a 100km ultra-marathon. There’s this whole dimension of difficulty you can attach to running, and Pilates is no different. The only limitation is how far you want to take it.

In that sense, it’s the perfect form of exercise for everyone from Iron Man-contenders to those who are just starting their fitness journey. Anyone who’s pushing themselves – and that’s a definition relative to the individual – would definitely be served by incorporating some Pilates training in their routine. As with every exercise, start slow – but just get out there and give it try. You might be surprised by the results.

Former Australian Rules footballer Chris Judd is familiar with how to get your heart rate up and push yourself physically. Twice winner of the prestigious Brownlow Medal, Chris is an honoured sportsman and father to four children, Oscar, Billie, Tom and Darcy. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.