Why Olympians Use Pilates to Train

For the final episode of Season 4 of Pilates Perspectives, Joy is joined by Joel Crosby, owner of Vitality Method Studios, to discuss Pilates for Olympians. A second-generation Pilates elder who completed “The Work” master program with Jay Grimes, Joel is known worldwide for his expertise in classical Pilates.

Joel explains how classical Pilates, or Contrology, helps elite athletes move more efficiently, prevent injury, and access strength they already have. He describes how he trains swimmers to increase range of motion and strengthen underdeveloped muscles, and why the fundamentals still matter at the highest level of sport. He also explains why Pilates is a smart cross-training tool for any athlete who wants to perform at their peak.

In this episode:

• Contrology for swimmers: using Pilates to increase range of motion and strengthen underdeveloped muscles
• Training Olympians: what makes working with Olympic athletes different from working with other professional athletes
• Back to basics: why even the highest-level athletes still need the fundamentals of Pilates
• Work better, not harder: how efficient movement improves athletic performance
• Injury prevention: why staying healthy is the top priority for Olympians
• “Free gains”: how Pilates training improves performance in an athlete’s sport without them having to think about it
• Unlocking hidden strength: learning to activate undercompensated muscles and use strength that’s already there
• Pilates for circulation: using Pilates to boost circulation and prepare the body for cardio
• Learning from Jay Grimes: Joel’s experience studying classical Pilates with one of the method’s most respected teachers

Whether you’re a Pilates instructor, a studio owner, a coach, or an athlete, this episode shows how classical Pilates training can support athletic performance, mobility, and long-term health.

This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.