Continuous learning is the secret to staying relevant, innovative and impactful in the world of wellness. Embracing the latest trends and expanding your skill set is the key to transforming your practice, attracting new clients and delivering results that keep them coming back for more.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce a brand-new learning opportunity at the upcoming Merrithew® Mindful Movement Symposium - North America: the debut of the new STOTT PILATES® Pickleball Performance Training on V2 Max Plus™ Reformer workshop. This workshop was created to help pickleball athletes boost their agility, balance and dynamic movement while minimizing the risk of injury. Don’t miss your opportunity to register!
Event Details:
Date: May 1–4, 2025
Location: LiveMetta Pilates and Yoga, Laguna Niguel, California, USA
Program: Featuring courses and workshops taught by Master Instructors PJ O’Clair, Laureen DuBeau and Kim Kraushar.
Why Pickleball? Here’s Why!
Pickleball isn’t just a trend—it’s one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide and for good reason! This fast-paced racquet sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It challenges the players’ reaction time, agility, hand-eye coordination, power and balance, all while keeping them engaged in a fun, social and competitive game. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just getting started, pickleball is a fantastic way to boost overall fitness while having a great time on the court!
Featured Exercises:
Single Leg Footwork
Key Benefits:
This workout in the quadruped position is great for:
- Increasing ankle, knee and hip mobility
- Challenging spinal, pelvic and shoulder stability
- Strengthening the extensor muscles while incorporating torso rotation
- Activating the oblique fascial slings
Lat Press to Side Bend & Overhead Throw
Key Benefits:
This series of workouts is excellent for:
- Strengthening the muscles in the upper back and shoulders
- Engaging the entire myofascial system through spring resistance
- Improving proprioception from hands to shoulders—ideal for racquet sports
Fireside Chat with PJ O’Clair
Q: How does Pilates benefit pickleball athletes?
A: Pickleball is primarily an aerobic sport that requires sustained energy throughout a match. Overall stability is critical for pickleball athletes, and Pilates effectively targets the key areas necessary for optimal performance:
- Lower Extremities: A strong, stable and powerful lower body improves movement efficiency, balance and agility on the court.
- Upper Extremities: Upper body strength and muscular endurance enhance shot production and help delay fatigue during play.
- Core Strength: Essential for maintaining stability, postural integrity and efficiently transferring force from the lower body through the trunk to the upper body.
Pilates addresses these elements and more, as it is core-centric, emphasizing the deep stabilizing muscles that build a solid foundation for movement.
Q: What common challenges do pickleball players face and how does this workshop help address those challenges?
A: Players often struggle with skill development, equipment selection and physical conditioning. Here’s how to address these common issues:
- Skill Development: Confidence comes with practice. Start with basic drills such as light volleys to advance hand-eye coordination and target shots to improve accuracy. Consider taking lessons to gain a better understanding of the game and develop the essential techniques needed for success.
- Equipment Confusion: Choosing the right gear can make a significant difference. Proper court-sport footwear is crucial for stability and injury prevention. A lightweight paddle is often easier to control, and experimenting with different ball types for practice versus gameplay can help refine technique
- Physical Conditioning: It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and social aspects of sports, but maintaining strength and agility is key to performance and injury prevention. Two to three Pilates sessions per week can help players improve their core stability, mobility and overall conditioning to stay at the top of their game.
This workshop addresses these challenges head-on by incorporating targeted Pilates exercises that transform movement efficiency, prevent injuries and elevate on-court performance.
Q: How do the STOTT PILATES® Principles advance pickleball performance?
A: In my first pickleball lesson, my coach told me to “slow down and breathe.” This was an “a-ha” moment for me because, in Pilates, the first thing we teach our clients and students is breathing—not just as a cue but as a fundamental tool for creating mind-body connection, control and efficiency. This same principle applies directly to pickleball, where staying present, controlled and intentional with movement can enhance reaction time and reduce fatigue.
Join us in California at the North America Symposium for an unforgettable experience at the forefront of mind-body wellness. This is your opportunity to connect with top experts, network with fellow enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the latest Pilates advancements. Walk away with fresh techniques, innovative ideas and a deeper understanding of how to transform your practice, inspire your clients and unlock new career opportunities.