Incorporating Pilates into an AFL training regimen can be an effective way to enhance performance on the field. At 4ME Pilates, our goal focused classes are the perfect complement to your off-field preparation, allowing you to get the most from yourself on gameday

Here are five key areas where Pilates can make a significant impact on AFL players

1. Core Strength and Stability

Kicking, tackling, and jumping all require a tremendous amount of core strength to execute effectively on a repeated basis. Pilates focuses on strengthening the deep abdominal muscles, lower back, and pelvic floor, which are crucial for maintaining stability during high-intensity actions, such as kicking. A strong core improves balance and posture, which aids AFL players in maintaining body control and reducing the risk of injury through enabling players to absorb tackles more effectively and remain on their feet.

• Summary: Core stability helps players maintain good form during running, sharp changes in direction, and while absorbing the impact of physical collisions.

2. Flexibility and Injury Prevention

Sudden directional changes and long kicks are a few examples of AFL movements on an AFL field where flexibility plays an integral role. Pilates helps improve flexibility through controlled stretching and lengthening of muscles, reducing muscle tightness and the risk of injuries, especially in the hamstrings, groyne, and lower back.

• Summary: Regular Pilates practice can help prevent common AFL injuries such as royne strains and hamstring tears by enhancing muscle elasticity and joint mobility

3. Improved Balance and Agility

AFL requires players to have exceptional balance, particularly when contesting the ball or changing direction at high speed. Pilates exercises challenge the body to stabilise while in motion, which enhances awareness of body position. This improved balance translates to better footwork, quicker reactions, and more efficient movement on the field.

• Summary: Pilates movements on unstable surfaces, like reformers, teach AFL players to react and adapt their bodies more effectively in unstable game situations.

Our Pilates classes in Bundoora, Ivanhoe, Essendon, and Brunswick focus on balance and agility, which are important for AFL players.

4. Enhanced Recovery and Muscle Endurance

Pilates aids in post-game and training recovery by promoting blood flow, reducing muscle soreness, and improving joint mobility and soft tissue. The focus on low-impact strength-building exercises also increases muscular endurance, enabling players to sustain high performance throughout the game.

• Summary: Pilates can assist with post-game recovery by incorporating gentle movements that enhance circulation and facilitate faster muscle repair

5. Mental Focus and Body Awareness

Pilates emphasises concentration and mindfulness during movements, teaching players to be more aware of their bodies as they glide through various planes of motion. This increased body awareness translates into improved control over on-field actions, including kicking, tackling and spriting. Additionally, the mental focus required in Pilates helps players remain composed during high-pressure moments in games and able to focus on delivering their movements effectively and with a great deal of accuracy.

• Summary: Themental discipline gained from Pilates can help AFL players stay focused during long games, improving decision-making under stress

Conclusion

Incorporating Pilates into an AFL player’s training program can enhance their core strength, flexibility, balance, and overall athletic performance, while also reducing injury risks. The combination of physical and mental benefits makes Pilates an excellent complementary practice for AFL athletes striving to improve their game.

Interested in seeing how Pilates can assist your AFL game? Join our Pilates classes in Eltham, Heidelberg, Keilor Downs or Sunbury to improve your core strength and flexibility for AFL. Claim your 10-class introductory offer!