Pilates for BMX athletes
What does Pilates and
BMX have in common?
Portrait:
Camilo Gutierrez
For more than 16 years, Camilo Gutierrez has been successfully participating in international BMX shows and runs the „BMX School Berlin“ in Kreuzberg. The park at Gleisdreieck and the National Gallery are his daily inspirations in town.
With the help of regular Pilates equipment training, Camilo wishes to reach the next level in his BMX career. He’s aiming to increase his endurance in order to be able to do longer shows with more intense tricks.
To support his goal, we accompany Camilo over several weeks with 60-minute solo training sessions on the Pilates Reformer and the Tower Unit Wall. By that, not only are his entire core and his motor skills strengthened but also the length in his range of movement is increased. In the process, the change should be consciously perceived.
What Pilates and BMX have in common? Control, focus, precision and centering in order to express creativity freely.
At the beginning we focus on rotation exercises. This activates the mobility in his upper body and strenghens the entire shoulder girdle via the deep, lateral abdominal muscles. This is of relevance as 80% of his BMX tricks are controlled by shoulder, arm and leg muscles.
In order to relieve the upper body, it is important to develop a strong core. This allows to draw the strength primarily from the core muscles and also prevents injuries.
„Often I completely forgot to breathe, because I was so focused during my BMX tricks. Pilates taught me to draw the strength from my core.”
In Pilates training, breathing techniques and stabilization exercises play a very important role, which are beneficial for his BMX tricks, as well as mindful stretching. With the help of the pulling force of the springs, Camilo was able to perceive this more intensely and deeply in order to develop more length and balance in the entire body.
“Control, focus, precision and centering, because a conscious body awareness with a healthy flow of motor movements gives you the freedom to express your creativity.” – Kathleen Adler, REALZ Pilates.
Two machines that complement each other perfectly to get the best out of you. Pilates as well as BMX is a complete lifestyle, which you decide on with all your heart and soul. Combining both is not only for Kathleen Adler (Pilates trainer and owner of REALZ Pilates) but also for Camilo Gutierrez (BMX professional athlete) a brand new experience.
“Pilates taught me a lot of techniques on how to improve my posture and my endurance. To be honest, I’m surprised that so few men do Pilates, it’s pretty cool and very intense.”
– Camilo Gutierrez.
