Whether batting at the crease for as long as possible or staying alert and agile out in the field, Cricket places a huge demand on the postural muscles of the spine, requiring them to remain active in awkward positions. Before any movement takes place the body’s deep CORE muscles must be alert to hold the player in an appropriate position. When movement is required, whether it’s the swinging of the bat, bowling of the ball or diving to make a catch, its obvious that the body must move quickly and efficiently to complete the task.
Pilates helps Cricketers to remain flexible, agile and alert of their own body whilst harnessing inner strength to improve the effectiveness of their actions. In particular the bowler and batsman’s actions benefit from the strength through movement that Pilates creates, thereby increasing the power of each action. Furthermore, the nature of the bowling action can often place excessive stress on the spine leading to repetitive injury. Pilates strengthens the stabilising muscles of the spine and balances the body, preventing the likelihood of injury and helping to reduce the dreaded ‘mixed action’.
“Pilates is particularly beneficial to cricketers because it helps them to recover faster from sports injuries and has a strong focus on the abdominal muscles and back” Nigel Stockill (Head physiologist and Biomechanist for the England Cricket Board)