If you’re a skier, having a regular Pilates practice is one of the best things you can do.
Why? Because its focus on stability, mobility and strength prepares your body for the slopes, improves your skiing technique and can help you avoid injuries.
That’s why professional British Alpine skier, Charlie Raposo, swears by the method, practising it 2-3 times a week as part of his training routine.
Here Charlie talks about his experience of Pilates with Complete, and explains how his 1-2-1 sessions have made him a more efficient skier and have helped him avoid the usual ski-related niggles.
Q.    Why did you start doing Pilates with Complete?
A. I started to do Pilates because my strength and conditioning coach, Jonny Lomax, thought it would massively compliment my already rigorous physical training schedule.
We also concluded Pilates would be a massive help with some ongoing niggling back issues – little did I know [when I started] how much it would help.
Q.    Why did you choose to train with Complete Pilates instead of another studio?
A. Helen O’Leary, founder and CEO of Complete Pilates, is not only an expert in her field of Pilates, but also in sports rehabilitation and has worked for many years in elite sports. Her knowledge has certainly trickled down to the rest of her Pilates team, too.
Q.  Do you feel Pilates has improved your skiing technique? If so, how?
A.100%. [Pilates] has been a massive asset over the last few years.
It just allows my body to be firing in the right places and the right small muscle groups. It also helps me to stabilise my pelvis which in turn stops my back from getting incredibly tight.
Q.   Are there certain exercises you focus on in your 1-2-1 sessions to help your skiing?
A. We do all kinds of different exercises, but [usually] with a focus on stability and control through my hips and back. I get so much strength training done during my weight lifting sessions so Pilates is a time to learn to control and stabilise that power.
Q.    Which aspect of Pilates do you find most enjoyable? Which parts do you find the most challenging?
A.  I would say the best part is seeing progress in a certain movement, which usually means it becomes easier.
But I struggle with EVERY movement at first. I also complain a lot, [which I] always get a hard time for!
Q.    What does your normal weekly training routine look like? How does Pilates fit into that?
A.  I generally have 10-12 sessions of training a week, so it’s pretty busy. I usually do Pilates 2-3 times a week.
Q.    Do you practise any mat Pilates exercises when you travel?
A.  I certainly take some stuff away from Pilates and use it when I’m on the road. I have some very extensive warm-up, activation, and mobility sessions.
Keen to discover how Pilates can help improve your skiing? Then why not get in touch or book today!
These blogs are designed to give information to everyone, however, it is important to remember that everyone is different! If you have not seen one of our therapists and have any questions about injuries, what you have read or whether this may be useful to you, please just ask. We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
