What does core strength really mean for Rugby? Pilates may be the answer....

Wouldn’t rugby be an interesting game if we all just stayed fixed upright tensing our muscles in a static pose? Or just bent forward maybe a thousand times quickly?..........Not really! Yet that’s what most rugby players and coaches are training for when it comes to core stability. Planks, side planks, leg raises and crunches are the mainstay of most "core stability" programs associated with contact sports yet represent minimal functional benefits. I should know, I did thousands of them at Nudgee College, Brothers and Norths in Brisbane.

However, once I became a Physiotherapist, I realised how poor our alignment, flexibility and balance was as players. In a game renowned for the mobile players with great balance like Dan Carter, Maro Itoje and Israel Folau, we need to embrace strength with flexibility and control.

Think of what’s required to take on two tacklers yet be able to twist and offload a pass round them at speed. Balance, control and range of movement coupled with strength. That’s why more Professional Rugby teams are embracing Pilates just like the New York Ballet did way back in the sixties.

It breaks down your movements and hones in on what your poor habits are. Habits that cause the back spasms, muscle tears and faults in running technique. So if you want to move more like a graceful athlete than a stiff lump of muscle, it’s time to embrace Pilates and all its benefits.

To book in a Rugby focused Pilates session with Stuart hit the “Book Now” button at the top of the page. If you would like to ask Stuart any further questions about his approach to Pilates or how it can improve your Rugby performance, flick him an email at stuart@limitlessphysio.com