🏃‍♀️ She Ultra & Shâp: How Reformer Pilates Helps Runners Go the Distance

Last weekend, several amazing women from the Shâp community took part in the She Ultra – a stunning and challenging long-distance trail race in North Wales. Massive congratulations to all of them for completing such a huge physical and mental feat! 🌿

A few of them shared how Reformer Pilates became a vital part of their training, helping with core strength, flexibility, joint mobility, and injury prevention. It's been incredible to hear how Shâp sessions have supported them through every mile – from training to recovery.

💬 What They Said:

Non shared:

"I started Reformer Pilates classes just before last Christmas at Shâp, as a way to stay fit – and as part of my training plan for She Ultra 2025, as well as to improve my running more generally. I genuinely believe it’s made a big difference to my running, by strengthening my core and improving my flexibility. It’s definitely helped my body recover much quicker after running long distances and on challenging terrain."
"Two days after this year’s race, I went back to a class at Shâp – and it made a world of difference. Stretching my body through small movements made me feel so much better. The training has definitely paid off – I ran the race an hour and a quarter quicker! Reformer is such a great way to move the body and build strength in a gentle, controlled way. And one of my favourite things – 50 minutes of no phone, just focus."

"Mi wnes i gychwyn dosbarthiadau Reformer Pilates cyn Nadolig llynedd yn Shâp, fel ffordd o gadw’n heini – ac fel rhan o fy nghynllun hyfforddi ar gyfer She Ultra 2025, ac i wella fy rhedeg yn gyffredinol. Dwi wir yn meddwl ei fod yn gwneud gwahaniaeth mawr i’m rhedeg, drwy gryfhau fy nghraidd a gwella fy hyblygrwydd. Yn sicr, mae’r corff wedi dod yn ôl at ei hun gymaint yn gyflymach ar ôl rhedeg pellteroedd hir ac ar dirwedd heriol."
"Dau ddiwrnod ar ôl y ras eleni, mi es i nôl i ddosbarth yn Shâp, a wnaeth hynny fyd o wahaniaeth. Roedd gwneud y dosbarth yn syth wedi helpu’n fawr – trwy ymestyn fy nghorff drwy symudiadau bach, roeddwn i’n teimlo llawer gwell. Mae’n amlwg bod yr hyfforddiant wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth – mi wnes i redeg y ras mewn awr a chwarter yn llai o amser! Mae Reformer Pilates yn ffordd wych o symud y corff a gwella cryfder craidd, ond mewn ffordd ysgafn a rheoledig. Ac un o’n hoff bethau am y dosbarth ydi ei fod yn 50 munud o ganolbwyntio llwyr – heb ffôn!"

Leslie said:

"I started Shâp Pilates earlier this year. As a runner and rower, I felt I needed an exercise that would strengthen and help with recovery! I'm on the right track; I find it beneficial and feel that I'm getting stronger with every session. My core strength and balance is improving thanks to Shannon's sessions. Finishing the She Ultra without injury this year, ready for a rowing race on the Menai Straits the following weekend, was a goal – Shâp Pilates has certainly paid off."

Eileen shared:

"Attempting the She Ultra for the second time, I wanted to prepare and recover quicker than last year. Thanks to Shâp Pilates, I was able to develop better core strength and balance. Becoming more aware of the need for muscle strength and lateral breathing also helped. Lower back pain and knee niggles were minimal. Shannon's carefully planned classes definitely have made a positive difference."

💥 Why Reformer Pilates Works for Runners

Reformer Pilates is more than just a workout – it’s a smart, full-body approach to movement and strength that runners (and walkers, hikers, and movers of all kinds!) can benefit from.

Key Benefits for Runners:

🔹 Core Strength & Stability
A strong core reduces wobble, supports posture, and helps absorb impact during runs – which can prevent fatigue and injury.

🔹 Improved Hip Mobility & Alignment
Tight hips? Reformer stretches and strengthens your hip flexors, glutes, and stabilisers, helping your stride become smoother and more efficient.

🔹 Reduced Injury Risk
Reformer targets underused stabiliser muscles, improves balance, and corrects imbalances that often lead to runner injuries.

🔹 Better Recovery
Gentle movement, breathwork, and mobility exercises help flush out stiffness and soreness – especially after long runs.

🔹 Enhanced Flexibility & Control
It’s not about bending into splits – it’s about moving better. Reformer gives you better joint range of motion with control and precision.