Sydney Soccer Stars Transformed by Reformer Pilates Class

On May 28, 2024

Benefits of Pilates for Soccer Players

A men’s soccer team from southern Sydney has gained attention on Instagram after their participation in a reformer pilates class. The posts show that pilates can be more challenging than it appears, especially for soccer players.

Sami McDonald, a 25-year-old pilates instructor and founder of Reform Me, says that the players from Hurstville Zagreb FC are reaping the benefits of their weekly pilates classes after just one month.

Pilates for Ankle Stability and Support

McDonald explains that soccer players often put a lot of strain on their ankles and feet due to constant kicking. As such, she has tailored their training sessions to focus on ankle stability and support, including exercises where they lift and lower their heels. She also notes an improvement in the players’ flexibility and mobility, particularly in the hip region, after incorporating pilates into their training.

Increased Interest in Pilates Among Soccer Players

As the first-grade soccer players spread the word about the benefits of pilates, McDonald has seen an increase in demand for her classes. She plans to expand her services to include mat pilates to accommodate the growing interest among the players.

The Instagram reel showcasing the soccer players’ training session has gone viral, with comments praising their effort and calling for more sports departments to integrate pilates into their athletes’ regular training regimes.

Busting the Stigma Around Pilates for Men

One of the common misconceptions among the Zagreb FC players was that pilates was simply stretching. McDonald clarifies that pilates is a comprehensive workout that can be surprisingly intense, a fact that took many of the players by surprise.

McDonald, who has been teaching pilates for three years, has noticed an increase in men participating in pilates as a regular part of their exercise routine. She emphasizes that pilates can be beneficial for men of all ages and fitness levels.

The Rising Popularity of Pilates

According to the latest data from the IBISWorld 2019-2024 report, pilates has grown from a niche service to a mainstream form of exercise over the past decade. However, the practice is still predominantly female-dominated in Australia, with market research company Roy Morgan stating that women outnumber men in pilates classes by about 9 to 1.

Pilates for Elite Athletes

Helen Stamatakos, founder of Pilates Insync and trainer of elite athletes, advocates for cross-training with pilates. She’s trained notable athletes including diver Melissa Wu and athletics star Rohan Browning and has even trained the young Matildas team.

Stamatakos, who also trains NRL players such as the St George Illawarra Dragons, explains that pilates is beneficial for reducing injury risk due to its eccentric movement, which increases range of motion under load and thereby improves mobility. She asserts that pilates can be instrumental in enhancing athletic performance and preventing injuries.