Q:

I like to run and I've heard that Pilates can help me build strength and endurance. Is this true?

A:

Adding a complementary exercise routine, such as Pilates, can help improve your endurance, decrease the amount of time your muscles need to recover from your runs and reduce the chances of developing injuries that could interfere with your running goals. Pilates gives you strength and flexibility by using your body weight or light springs as resistance. It lets you build those benefits without adding bulky muscles that can hinder a long-distance runner.

Pilates strengthens the other muscles in your body as well, in addition to the ones you use most while running. Working these other muscles keeps your joints in balance and helps prevent common running injuries.