Pilates instructor Sophie Ntoumenopoulos with client and ironman Aaron Williams.
Camera IconPilates instructor Sophie Ntoumenopoulos with client and ironman Aaron Williams. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Ironman turns to pilates to prepare for race

Belinda CiprianoWanneroo Times

The October 11 event requires contestants to swim 3.8km, cycle 180km and finish with a 42km run and, according to Williams, is the pinnacle of sport.

‘The sport is rapidly increasing in popularity as people want to push boundaries, not just physically but mentally ” this endurance event has it all,’ he said.

‘The heat of the lava fields, wind and humidity ” training is essential.’

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The 28-year-old is training 25 hours a week with part of it including pilates.

‘I came across pilates a few years ago through an injury and have really found inroads into my body and its conditioning,’ he said.

‘Sophie has really helped in my training as it’s so important in body conditioning and strengthening with the kilometres I am doing to remain injury-free.

‘This aspect of training is often forgotten about or only briefly touched on, whereas I have it as almost priority in my training.’

Ms Ntoumenopoulos said pilates not only helped prepare the ironman for the physical test but helped with his mindset too.

‘It gives Aaron a chance to focus on injury prevention, postural alignment and ensure that he is strengthening his stabilising muscles to prepare him for the physical and mental test to come,’ she said.

It will be Williams’ second race at the 70km distance, having competed in the half-ironman world championships in Vegas last year.