Julie Chan made the transition from corporate health care executive to an active Pilates instructor — but recently, she’d discovered something truly exciting: Pickleball Pilates. She found the combination of dynamic pickleball moves with Pilates-based exercises focused on core strength, leg power, and rotational movement to be her new obsession.
In our recent conversation, with a warm smile, Julioe explained the program focus: core strength, leg strength, and proper rotation—all integral elements of a successful pickleball game.
“Pickleball is a game of quick movements, lateral shifts, and powerful strokes,” Julie explained. “But none of that’s possible without a solid foundation of core strength, flexible legs, and the ability to rotate your body efficiently.”
Students of Julie’s can be surprised at how much they will feel the core engage during the first few movements—simple exercises like the plank and leg lifts. These exercises are designed to fire the muscles in the abdomen and lower back, which provide stability during quick pickleball shifts.
Then, leg strengthening exercises complement the typical pickleball movements. Lunges and squats, done with precision, help Julie’s students feel quads and glutes engage deeply. It is clear: strong legs are essential for agility on the court, particularly when dashing to the net or getting into position to return a strong serve.
The next set of exercises guides classes through rotational movements, key to pickleball. She will demonstrate how the rotational force from the hips and torso could make a shot more powerful and controlled, and how improper rotation could lead to inefficient plays or even injuries. The class practices exercises like the torso twist and seated rotations, all while engaging the core and strengthening the legs for stability.
While women were early adopters of Pilates for pickleball, Julie says, “men are the fastest growing segment for pickleball pilates.” Interested in exploring how Pilates can up your game or that of the man in your life? Learn more about Julie’s journey and where she teaches.
