Pilates exercises for soccer

The discipline can only work if you adhere to its core training principles with absolute attention to detail and accuracy of movement.

If you know nothing about pilates, you will find that it is an essential tool in the repertoire of therapists and sports people alike.

Pilates' focal points

Concentration - That all-important mind-body connection. Conscious focus on movement enhances body awareness. Focusing the brain on the body part enhances proprioception.

Control - It's not about intensity, rather it's about the empowerment of being able to have a definite and positive impact on a body part through the activation of critical stability muscles. Ideal technique brings safe, effective results.

Centring - A focus on the specific muscles that stabilize the pelvis and the scapula underlies the development of a strong core and enables the rest of the body to function efficiently. The correct muscles must be taught to hold for extended periods of time at a low level. Consequently all action starts from a stable core.

Conscious breathing - Deep, conscious diaphragmatic patterns of inhaling initiate any movement, help activate deep stabilizing muscles and keep you focused.

Core alignment - Maintaining a 'neutral' position (joints held in mid-position by deep tonic stabilizing muscles) is the key to proper alignment, and this leads to good posture. You'll be aware of the position of your head and neck on the spine and pelvis, right down through the legs and toes.

Coordination - Flowing movement results from brain and body working perfectly in synergy; the aim is smooth, continuous motion, rather than jarring repetitions. Pilates has a grace and elegance to its movement that comes from working 'smarter', not 'harder'. Repetition is used to 'cement' good movement into your brain.

To enhance your core training consider Pilates and combined training.