Why do professional athletes choose Pilates as a form of recovery?

More and more professional athletes — from footballers and tennis players to triathletes — are turning to Pilates not as a supplement to training, but as an integral part of it. What makes this method, created over a century ago by Joseph Pilates, the secret weapon of modern athletes?

Reformer Pilates: precision that heals

Reformer Pilates is much more than stretching exercises. It's work with the deep layers of muscles, breath control, correction of movement patterns, and building strength without overloading the joints. For an athlete who pushes their body to the limits throughout a season, it is an indispensable tool.

The reformer allows you to work with resistance that can be precisely adjusted to the body's current capabilities — which is crucial in the process of returning after injury or during recovery between events.

What do the studies say?

Research confirms that Pilates is not only a form of movement but an effective recovery tool for athletes. Experts at Harvard Health Publishing emphasize that regular Pilates practice improves deep muscle stabilization, coordination, and body awareness, which directly reduces the risk of injury and training overload.

Meanwhile, specialists at the Cleveland Clinic point out that Pilates supports the nervous system, helps lower stress levels, and speeds up recovery thanks to the combination of controlled movement and breathing. It is precisely this balance between activity and calm that helps athletes return to training faster, with greater ease and better technique.

For those training five to six times a week, recovery ceases to be a break from training — it becomes an integral part of it.

Recovery retreat as a form of deep renewal

An increasingly popular form of comprehensive recovery is a trip to a Pilates camp or retreat dedicated to bodywork. It's not a vacation — it's a planned, intensive stay during which an athlete can focus solely on renewal: reformer sessions, breath work, manual therapy, and mindful rest.

Such a trip provides what is missing from the daily schedule: time, space, and specialized support in one place. That is why more and more professional athletes and coaches include retreats in their annual training calendar.

BoZEN Retreat — the first Pilates Resort in Poland

Jurata is an exceptional place — surrounded by forest, a step from the sea and the bay, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ideal for pausing, breathing, and returning to balance.

At BoZEN we offer:

• Professional reformer Pilates sessions led by experienced instructors

• Dedicated retreat programs and Pilates camps tailored to the needs of athletes and active people

• A sauna, massage rooms, and signature cuisine that supports recovery

• An intimate boutique resort — just 15 rooms, full privacy and an individual approach to every guest

Pilates — not just for dancers

Among athletes who openly speak about Pilates as part of their recovery and physical preparation are world sports stars.

Cristiano Ronaldo uses Pilates to maintain deep muscle strength, flexibility, and movement control, which helps him avoid injuries under extreme training loads. Andy Murray incorporated Pilates into his rehabilitation program after back injuries, treating it as a key element in his return to full fitness. Olympic athletes, such as surfer Carissa Moore and swimmer Kathleen Baker, also cite Pilates as a method that helps them maintain a balance between strength and recovery.

This shows that Pilates has long ceased to be the domain of dancers — it has become a conscious choice of professional athletes around the world. And that's exactly why it's worth reaching for it.