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> INSIGHTS > COMMUNITYOlympic Athletes that Love Pilates
By Insights TeamIn the 1960s, Joseph Pilates began working with dancers - making his mark on the world of athletes. Since then, dancers, runners, and swimmers alike, have begun to use the method to enhance their performance, prevent injury, and assist their recovery process. Pilates can benefit any athlete, from amateur to professional.
Here's our roundup of Olympic athletes that know and love the method as much as we do. Discover how Pilates has helped these professionals in their career and beyond.
Aly Raisman is an American gymnast clad in olympic medals. Her Olympic career began in 2012, when she earned 2 gold medals and 1 bronze. She added another 3 medals to her collection in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games. Of the method, she says, "What I like about Pilates is that tiny movements make a big difference. The slightest movement of your leg can fire different muscles. It really helps me stay present and in my body." 
Natalie Coughlin first entered the Olympic swimming scene in 2001. Since then, she has earned a total of 12 medals. Though she is now retired, Coughlin still holds an impressive record and three-way tie for the most Olympic medals won by an American woman. Natalie Coughlin often uses Pilates in between her training sessions, she says, "Thursdays I have out of the water, so I'll do Pilates and walk my dog, but I won't swim... You can do so much on the Pilates chair. You can work out your arms, your legs, your core. And it doesn't really take up much room." 
American Beach Volleyball player, Kerri Lee Walsh Jennings, is a highly decorated Olympic athlete. She has competed in five games, making her a five-time olympian and a four-time Olympic medalist, holding three gold medals and one bronze medal. Kerri claims, "I've been doing Pilates for about 10 to 15 years now. It completely transforms your body-everything from your core to your legs to your back. You realize you have all these new muscles you didn't know you had."
Colleen Quigley was an American Runner in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic games. Having suffered many injuries throughout her career, she knows firsthand how Pilates can rehabilitate. She says, "I love that Pilates allows you to build a really strong foundation for running. It helps you withstand the pounding from all of the miles we do, so that your body doesn't fall apart from the impact."
