Pilates for Swimmers
It may not seem like the most natural of coupling, when you put the physical act of swimming and Pilates in the same sentence, but some Pilates enthusiasts have referred to Pilates as “underwater ballet”, so what’s the resemblance?
It would seem that the methods of movement must have some similar basis between them, with each offering their won set of distinct and parallel benefits. But how similar is Pilates to the actual movement of swimming, and how does it benefit a swimmer to be involved in Pilates and vice versa?
First of all, professional, competitive and athletic swimmers pride themselves on the core stimulation and calorie consumption that swimming offers. The core muscles used in swimming are not predominately the rectus abdominis muscles (the overlaying abdominal muscles, commonly referred to as the six-pack), but rather incorporate the transverse abdominals in its use of energy.
The transverse abdominis are the underlying muscles, which are harder to target through crunches and cardiovascular exercise alone. Swimming is one of the only aerobic exercises, included with some manner of running styles that does so.
Pilates does claim that its slow and controlled movement, like swimming, instigate the deep burn within the muscles found in the transverse abdominis muscles, but it also claims it’s “contrology” as being the method to rock hard abs, which targets the rectus abdominis. So which is it?
Pilates does utilize the underlining core muscles, but not in the way that swimming actively does, and it’s focus is not only to develop a taut mid-section but also to increase alignment within the body. However, there is a catch 22 with this Pilates fact. For the abdominals to be visible, Pilates alone cannot shed the layers of fat that tends to naturally accumulate on those that have a few extra pounds around the belly.
While Pilates will help you to strength train the hard to reach trunk muscles, only cardio will help you excess the outer layers so that you can see all of your hard work come to the surface.
Swimming is like Pilates in the sense that it is a non-weight bearing exercise and is easy on the joints, but it holds a calorie-burning component that Pilates does not. This one main distinction between Pilates and swimming found in the nature of the exercise is that swimming is an aerobic exercise, Pilates is not.
An hour swimming laps can burn up to 700 calories and hour, if you are swimming moderately paced. An hour of Pilates can burn anywhere from 250-350 calories depending on energy expenditure and body size.
Pilates and swimming are great options for the population of over 40, but also benefits the younger, and even competitive athlete. Everyone struggles with getting enough exercise in their life, but the bigger problem is the lack of balance in the exercises that the general population is participating in. This is where the combination of swimming and Pilates creates a “perfect storm”, for those seeking a certain gentle and rehabilitative approach to whole body wellness.
Tags: pilates in the pool, rectus abdominis, swimming and pilates, transverse abdominis