Above – Penguin Junior Girls Football Team
On Thursday, July 18th, the U14s and U17s Junior Penguin Football teams shook up their training routine with an invigorating Pilates session. Pilates Instructor, Jen Babin, took to the stage, sharing the rich history of Pilates before guiding the team through a dynamic whole-body workout emphasizing the core principles of concentration, control, centering, flow, precision, and breath to movement.
“Out on the field the girls do so much running involving acceleration, deceleration, and change of directions, so we focused on strengthening the powerhouse muscles and improving balance through ankle strength and stability. We also focused on shoulder and torso strength and flexibility, to aid with passing and kicking”, Jen said.
Jen remarked, “The girls approached the session with fantastic attitudes, boundless energy, and an eagerness to step out of their comfort zone. They adapted quickly to the movements, showcasing impressive strength, coordination, and control.”
Pilates isn’t just for athletes or fitness enthusiasts; it’s a fantastic practice for all ages and fitness levels, thanks to its modifiable movements. “I find that many people discover Pilates as part of a rehabilitation program after having experienced a serious injury or health condition. It’s better than never, however, if more people practiced Pilates proactively, it could reduce the likelihood of such injuries, chronic pain, and falls in the first place.”
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Coach Matt Stewart for the opportunity to work with these strong young athletes, and to Brian Lane for his visionary efforts in transforming the Penguin Football Club into a vibrant cultural hub, home to a variety of community activities.
At Tassie Active, we offer fun and accessible community classes for all fitness levels in Penguin, Ulverstone, and Wynyard.