How Pilates Helps Me Train for Marathons

I’ve been running marathons for over 20 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t rely on running alone and expect to keep improving. Your body needs more than miles.

My sister has been doing Pilates for years and always talked about how strong it made her feel, and that’s what finally pushed me to give it a try. Last June, I started taking Pilates classes three days a week at Club Pilates, and it’s made a noticeable difference in how I feel and how I run, especially now as I train for Boston.

Full-body Strength

While Pilates is known for building core strength, it actually builds full body strength. Hip and glute strength are absolutely critical in running. Strong hips and glutes contribute to improved form and running efficiency. Power in running should come from the glutes, and doing Pilates exercises like glute bridges helps me not only strengthen these muscles but bring awareness to the area so I use them when I run (as opposed to relying on calves and quads). Lack of glute activation in running is a leading cause of injury.

Pilates builds leg strength by targeting not just the big muscles, but the smaller stabilizers that control alignment and movement. That kind of strength improves how efficiently you push off the ground, which directly translates to better speed and power. As I train for the Boston Marathon, this will be helpful as I tackle the hills late in the race.

Mobility and Stability

Mobility allows runners to move efficiently through a full range of motion, which improves stride mechanics. Running can make everything feel tight over time, and Pilates forces me to move in ways I wouldn’t otherwise. My hips feel more open, my stride feels smoother, and I don’t feel as restricted when I’m trying to hit faster paces or longer efforts. It prevents stiffness and keeps everything flowing.

Eve’s lunge is great for runners because it opens up tight hip flexors, which can get shortened from all the forward motion in running and limit your stride if they’re not addressed. And “feet-in-straps” targets the hamstrings in a controlled, lengthening way, helping build strength while also improving flexibility, so you’re not just strong, but able to move through a fuller range without strain.

Since I started doing Pilates consistently, I’ve also noticed that I can handle more mileage without feeling like I’m pushing my limits in a risky way. I feel stronger supporting the miles I’m already running, and I haven’t had any major injuries since I started.

Running Mechanics

Pilates reinforces proper running mechanics by improving alignment, posture, and how your body moves as one connected system. I’m much more aware of keeping my shoulders down and back instead of creeping up and forward, especially when I get tired. Many Pilates moves reinforce this “shoulders down and back” stance, making it feel natural and second nature. When your posture is in a better position, everything flows more efficiently: breathing, arm swing, even stride.

Timing

I typically pair Pilates with my harder workout days (tempo runs, long runs, and intervals) so I can keep my hard days truly hard and allow my easy days to function as genuine recovery. Sometimes I’ll even walk to Pilates, adding low-impact movement without additional strain. It’s an effective way to promote circulation later in the day and support muscle recovery.

Pilates has become a foundational part of my training routine. It’s helped me maintain consistency, stay healthy, and feel stronger heading into Boston. And best of all, I enjoy it, which means I will stick with it!