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Golden Quotes: Olympic athletes and the Pilates advantage
What does it take to become an Olympic athlete? Many of them would say, precision, breath, control, flow, centering, and concentration. If that list sounds a little familiar, it’s because these are the basic tenets of Pilates.
With a world of state-of-the-art training options at their fingertips, why is it that so many Olympic athletes choose training exercises that originated nearly a century ago? It’s because they want tried and true results – along with modern day expertise – in a system of mindful, concentrated movement. They choose Pilates.
Let’s hear why in their own words.
Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin
“Pilates is an awesome cross-training exercise for any sport because it focuses on functional movement.” pilates.about.com
Olympic Volleyball player Kerri Walsh
“I just think the whole mindset of Pilates is huge. Pilates 101 is just to use your core in the right way. A lot of us don’t use every little detailed muscle in our core. We all use the big muscles in our body and don’t focus on the little ones. That mindset and awareness is huge. I take that with me wherever I go.” thepostgame.com
Olympic diver Nick McCrory
“I really enjoy it [Pilates], because aside from just the strength that you build, it really teaches body awareness and coordination, which is essential to diving.” pilates.about.com
Olympic swimmer Ariana Kukors
“I love Pilates. Always leave with the biggest smile on my face 
now back to the pool for round 2!” twitter.com/ArianaKukors
The list of Olympic athletes who are said to practice Pilates goes on and on; beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor, diver David Boudia, runner Bershawn Jackson and more. But the proof of Pilates isn’t limited to Olympians. It’s hard to think of anyone who received as much attention for her shape, for lack of a better word, than Britain’s Pippa Middleton. What does she have to say about Pilates?
Olympic spectator, Pippa Middleton
“As someone who is always ‘on the go’, Pilates has been a wonderful escape from my busy lifestyle in London. Whether it’s 7am in the morning or 7pm at night I always leave feeling calm, refreshed and invigorated. From breathing techniques, muscle toning to overall flexibility and relaxation, my Pilates sessions have become something of a weekly necessity that keeps me fit, happy and energized.” pilatesonthego.co.uk
Let the words of the Olympic athletes (and Pippa!) inspire you towards your own personal gold. In the words of Kerri Walsh, “If you have a strong core, you can do anything,” and we know you can! Let us help YOU make it happen!