How Pilates Supercharged Jenny’s Tennis Game

When Jenny Howse first joined Luna Collective two years ago, she attended our weekly group Pilates classes to help with general flexibility and wellbeing. An avid tennis player with decades of experience on the court, Jenny knew the importance of staying mobile and injury-free. But what started as a casual class soon turned into something more intentional.

After a few months, Jenny noticed subtle improvements - better balance, more awareness of her movement, and increased mobility. But she also recognised there was room to focus more directly on her tennis performance. That’s when she transitioned to our weekly semi-private sessions, where we could tailor her training to the specific demands of tennis. Her goals? Improve shoulder and thoracic spine mobility, increase power, and stay agile on the court.

"Pilates has really helped my tennis over the past year," Jenny says. "I’m so much more flexible and feel stronger. But the main effect that it has had - because of the strength - is acceleration."

And it’s not just Jenny who’s noticed. Her long-time tennis partner Jayne, who she’s played with for over 30 years, recently commented:“You’re so fast these days - you get to so many balls you wouldn’t have got to last year!”

Jenny’s results are no coincidence - they’re exactly what well-structured Pilates can deliver for tennis players. Let’s take a closer look at why.

🎾 How Pilates Boosts Tennis Performance:

1. Thoracic Mobility = Better Rotation & Reduced Shoulder Strain

A mobile upper back (thoracic spine) is essential for smooth, efficient trunk rotation during serves and groundstrokes. Limited thoracic mobility often leads to overuse of the lower back and shoulders. Research shows that improving thoracic extension and rotation can reduce the risk of shoulder and lumbar injuries in racquet sports. In Jenny’s case, this meant easier torso rotation, better racquet preparation, and more fluid follow-through.

2. Powerhouse Control Enhances First-Step Acceleration

Pilates is well known for developing deep powerhouse strength, but in tennis this translates into more than posture. The ability to stabilise the trunk while the limbs move - known as dynamic powerhouse stability - improves reaction time and explosive power during lateral and diagonal court movement. Jenny noticed a tangible improvement in how quickly she could recover between shots and change direction to reach wide or drop balls.

3. Neuromuscular Efficiency = Faster Reactions

Pilates trains smaller stabilising muscles to fire in coordination with larger movers. This neuromuscular control helps players access speed and strength more efficiently - especially under fatigue. Over time, this results in sharper movement and better precision under pressure.

4. Breath Control for Better Endurance and Focus

Pilates breath work - lateral thoracic breathing - improves oxygen efficiency and nervous system regulation. This helps tennis players stay calm and focused during long rallies or high-stakes points.

5. Improved Proprioception = Sharper Court Awareness

Pilates demands mindful, precise movement - which sharpens body awareness. This enhances proprioception (your internal GPS), allowing players to react more instinctively and position themselves better for volleys and returns.

Jenny’s story is a testament to how personalised Pilates can go far beyond general fitness. With the right support, it becomes a cross-training tool for high-level performance, injury prevention, and long-term enjoyment of sport.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up your first racquet, Pilates can support your game from the inside out.

Interested in learning how Pilates can elevate your tennis or golf performance?

At Luna Collective in Kendal, we offer private and semi-private sessions tailored to your sport-specific goals - whether you're working on speed, strength, or mobility.

Not based in the Lake District? No problem. We also offer online sessions, which Jenny now attends herself - continuing to improve her tennis game from home.