Why NFL, MLB, and NHL Players are Embracing Pilates in Their Training Routine

In the world of sports and fitness, the sight of athletes incorporating Pilates into their training routine has become increasingly common. This low-impact workout, known for its ability to challenge even the toughest athletes, has been gaining popularity among players in the NFL, MLB, and NHL. One key figure in this trend is Peoria native Jess Pate, the owner of Calibrate Pilates in Arizona. With a background in dance and Pilates certification since 2015, Pate has been working with athletes in Arizona and beyond for nearly five years.

When asked about her journey into training athletes through Pilates, Pate explains, “I went overseas to a college in Australia for my ballet degree and I wanted to be a strength and conditioning coach, but I didn’t want to do it with weights. So, I was like, ‘how can I train athletes without lifting weights?’ and I looked into Pilates.” She emphasizes the importance of core strength and stability in enhancing on-field performance for athletes, pointing out that Pilates helps create faster, stronger, and more stable movements.

Among Pate’s notable clients are MLB players Carson Kelly and Tarik Skubal, NHL player Liam O’Brien, boxer Eric Priest, and several Arizona Cardinals players including Garrett Williams and Sean Murphy-Bunting. The effectiveness of Pilates in improving performance and preventing injuries has kept these players coming back for more sessions at Pate’s sports-specific Pilates studio.

Garrett Williams, a cornerback for the Cardinals, shares his experience with Pilates after recovering from a knee injury, stating, “It’s a lot of work. Definitely humbling. Coming off a knee surgery a year and a half ago, one of my biggest things was trying to improve my stability and my balance. I feel like I did Pilates all throughout OTAs, and I thought I was getting stronger as time went. I feel like a lot of that came from Pilates.”

Sean Murphy-Bunting, another Cardinals player, highlights the importance of Pilates in maintaining joint mobility and preventing injuries. Despite initial challenges, he found joy and progress through consistent Pilates practice, praising Pate for her guidance and support.

Pate, a Master Trainer for Pilates Sports Center, not only trains athletes but also shares her knowledge with students and aspiring instructors. Her studio is a testament to the impact she has made on athletes, with signed memorabilia from clients expressing their gratitude. The movements performed in Pate’s studio may seem small, but the results are undeniably significant.

As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the upcoming season, the influence of Pilates in enhancing athlete performance continues to be seen on and off the field. With Pilates becoming a staple in the training routines of NFL, MLB, and NHL players, the benefits of this low-impact workout are proving to be game-changing.

Arizona Sports Scene

The city of Phoenix boasts four major professional sports league teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Diamondbacks. These teams have made Phoenix a sports hub, with state-of-the-art stadiums and arenas hosting thrilling games throughout the year.

In addition to these major teams, Phoenix is also home to the USL’s Phoenix Rising FC, showcasing the city’s passion for soccer. The Valley hosts a wide range of major sporting events annually, from college football bowls to golf championships and NASCAR races, making it a hotspot for sports enthusiasts.

Follow the conversation with Lina Washington on Twitter and Instagram @LWashingtonTV. For sports story ideas, email Lina at LWashington@12News.com.