Advocate Q&A: Liz Patient

Liz Pilates For Runners

YOU’RE A BUSY MUM WITH A LOT TO FIT IN, TALK US THROUGH A TYPICAL WEEK AND HOW YOU FIT YOUR PERSONAL TRAINING IN... 

I very much practice what I preach when it comes to my personal Pilates practice.  I tend to do frequent (usually daily) but short sessions (10-20 minutes depending on time).  My Pilates is usually attached onto either a run or weights session, so I can fit it all in without too much thought. 

For example, I’ll use Pilates to warm up for a run or weights session (usually focused on strength and stability).  Then I’ll do another Pilates session at the end (focused more on core and mobility).  I use my Pilates practice in absolutely everything I do, how I warm up, run, cool down, how I lift weights and in everyday life.  For me it’s a way of life rather than an isolated exercise session on the mat.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROUTINE LOOK LIKE BEFORE A TYPICAL MOVEMENT OR TRAINING SESSION? 

I tend to start off with big dynamic movements to get everything moving (I love a side lunge with a rotation, or a wide leg squat with arm circles and side bend).  Then I move into more isolated movements to target my problem areas (usually hips and upper back). 

With the Pilates background I like to focus on form when I exercise, so I always want to get as mobile as possible first.  That way I can get into a great posture for whatever I’m going to do. Whether that’s running or lifting.

HOW DO YOU RECOVER FROM SESSIONS TO ENABLE YOU TO GO AGAIN? 

Pilates is my best form of recovery (no surprise there!). It’s low impact, provides great movement variation (important to balance out the running) and it’s incredibly versatile. So I can do a session where I’m sweating with the effort, or I can do more mobility based session, which is all about relaxing, unwinding and recovering.

I love using a bit of kit to help me in my problem areas.  For example, I love using a roller to help with thoracic extension and getting my upper back moving.  There’s also a great hip stretch sequence I love to do with a band or strap.

WHERE DO YOU TYPICALLY DO YOUR WARM UP/ MOBILITY/ RECOVERY SESSIONS? 

Anywhere I can at a push! I’ll stand in the kitchen making the dinner and doing standing stretches against the counter after a run, or I’ll do some seated stretches at my desk when I’m working.  At the gym I just grab a bit of floor space before and after my weights session.

I’m also lucky as I always have a mat out in my “studio” (the spare room!). So when the kids are occupied I’ll often dive in there and do a quick recovery session.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT MOVEWELL? 

I love the quality of the kit.  I’ve used a huge variety of kit over the years, but I absolutely love the feel and quality of MoveWell.  The fact it’s all sustainably made with the environment in mind, just makes it a no brainer for me.

THANK YOU. WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND MORE ABOUT YOU?

There are hundreds of Pilates for Runners sessions (for strength, mobility and stability) on my website pilatesforrunners.co.uk.

Or you can follow me on Instagram @pilates_for_runners or Facebook @pilatesforrunnerswithliz