4 Moves to Train NFL’s Top Stars

If you feel like everyone is doing Pilates nowadays, well, you might be onto something. According to ClassPass’s 2024 Look Back Report that was the number one booked class globally. Among the crew of Pilates devotees? The Kansas City Chiefs.

In fact, their studio, Pilates By Kahley in Overland Park, Kansas, went viral last year when ESPN shared a video of a few Chiefs players putting in the work on the reformer. But it wasn’t a one-and-done workout for the NFL stars: The players are still at it this year as they gear up for Super Bowl LIX, where they’ll be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles.

So what is it about the popular (yet surprising) exercise modality that has the Chiefs stretching for more? We tapped their instructor Kahley Schiller to find out.

Why Pilates is a Game-Changer for Football Players

There are actually a few good reasons football players should add Pilates to the mix.

Before we get into the benefits of Pilates for football players, let’s take a step back into the meaning, how did these top NFL athletes find their way into the studio in the first place?

It all began about eight years ago, when quarterback Trent Green’s wife, Julie, started taking classes at Schiller’s studio. “She convinced him to start doing Pilates, so that was my first big Chiefs person,” Schiller tells SELF. “Word of mouth is everything, and it kind of grew from there.”

A Symphony of Strength

Schiller explains that football players typically focus on lifting and HIIT workouts to build strength. While these exercises are effective for building power and momentum, they often neglect the smaller muscles and imbalances that can lead to injuries. “Pilates comes in and creates symmetry and balance throughout their entire bodies so that their anterior chain [front of body] and their posterior chain [back of body] are equally as strong, which would make them more powerful,” she says.

A Injury Prevention Tool

Pilates is not only beneficial for performance on the field, but it can also help prevent injuries. By strengthening the core and improving flexibility, Pilates can reduce the risk of strains and sprains. Schiller has seen firsthand how Pilates has helped the Chiefs players recover from injuries and come back stronger. “It’s amazing to see how Pilates can help athletes recover from injuries and get back to their optimal performance level,” she says.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs are proof that Pilates is not just for dancers and yogis. Football players can benefit from the improved strength, flexibility, and injury prevention that Pilates provides. As Schiller says, “Pilates is for everybody.”

FAQs

Q: Who is Kahley Schiller?
A: Kahley Schiller is the owner and instructor of Pilates By Kahley in Overland Park, Kansas.

Q: Why did the Chiefs players start doing Pilates?
A: The Chiefs players started doing Pilates because of word of mouth from their teammates and coaches. The studio’s initial client, quarterback Trent Green’s wife, convinced him to try Pilates, and it quickly spread to other players.

Q: What are the benefits of Pilates for football players?
A: Pilates can help football players improve their strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. It can also help them recover from injuries and get back to their optimal performance level.

Q: Is Pilates only for dancers and yogis?
A: No, Pilates is for everybody. While it is often associated with dancers and yogis, Pilates can be beneficial for anyone looking to improve their strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.