Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has long been recognized for his exceptional athleticism and dedication to the game. In a recent interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Harper revealed a key component of his training regimen that might surprise some: Pilates.
Harper began incorporating Pilates into his routine about eight years ago and has since become a devoted practitioner. He credits the Pilates reformer—a specialized apparatus designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance—as a cornerstone of his workouts. Working with a trainer in Las Vegas, Harper engages in rigorous sessions that challenge every muscle fiber in his body.
“I have a great trainer out in Vegas, and she kills me,” Harper shared. “It’s a lot of fun. The way it makes my body feel, the way I have to use every muscle possible in my body, every fiber in my body, there’s no workout like it.”
Despite the intense nature of Pilates, Harper finds the practice enjoyable and uniquely beneficial. He emphasizes that it’s unlike any other workout, challenging both his physical and mental endurance. To skeptics who question his commitment to Pilates, Harper extends an open invitation: “People laugh and [say] this, that, and the other, but I would love to see another guy go in there and do it. Because they always say, ‘Oh, I can’t believe you’re doing Pilates.’ I’m like, ‘C’mon. Come join me. See what it’s like.’ It’s fun.”
Integrating Pilates into his training schedule, Harper dedicates three days a week to the practice, complementing it with weight training twice a week. This balanced approach not only enhances his performance on the field but also contributes to overall joint health and well-being. “Pilates is three times a week, and then weight train twice a week. It just feels good on my joints and everything else,” he noted.
Harper’s endorsement of Pilates underscores a growing trend among professional athletes who are turning to the practice to gain a competitive edge. By focusing on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement, Pilates offers benefits that translate seamlessly into the demands of high-performance sports.
As Harper continues to excel in his career, his commitment to Pilates serves as a testament to the practice’s effectiveness in enhancing athletic performance and maintaining physical health.
