#Japan #Ebisu #Futaba Ito #Pilates Studio BB #Climbing Training

Professional Climber Futaba Ito and Pilates

In a recent short documentary film, Pilates Studio BB introduced professional climber Futaba Ito, showcasing her journey and experiences with Pilates aimed at improving her climbing skills. The video runs for 60 seconds and features both her training sessions and actual climbing moments, reflecting the athlete’s narrative on overcoming injuries and enhancing her physical awareness.

The Beginning of Pilates for Futaba

Futaba Ito, who has been training at Pilates Studio BB since November 2022, initially turned to Pilates as a response to the recurring injuries related to her sport. “I was facing continuous injuries in sports climbing and had come to realize that my core strength was lacking,” she explains. This realization ignited her interest in Pilates, prompting her to give it a try as a potential solution.

Understanding the Challenges and Necessities

Futaba recounts her first experiences while being taught by her trainer, Hajime Kuroko, an accredited athletic trainer from the U.S. Initially, she struggled with the movements. “It was incredibly challenging, and I immediately recognized how essential it was for my development,” she shares. This insight proved to be a turning point, highlighting the necessity of Pilates in her preparation for climbing competitions.

The Positive Changes from Consistent Practice

One of the compelling reasons Futaba continues with her Pilates practice is the positive physical sensation she feels post-session. “After each session, my body feels aligned, which helps with injury prevention. I’ve learned to use my body more effectively, making climbing less strenuous. I haven’t faced any major injuries in the past two years,” she states with satisfaction.

Pre-Competition Routine

Futaba emphasizes the importance of her Pilates training in her pre-competition routine, revealing that she always visits the studio before major events. “Coming to the studio to find my balance makes a huge difference in how I feel at the competition venue,” she notes, underscoring the mental and physical benefits of her regular practice.

Training with Hajime Kuroko

Hajime Kuroko, who possesses a PHI Pilates Master Trainer certification, plays an essential role in Futaba’s training journey. He specializes in fostering the core strength and fine motor control necessary for climbing, ensuring that she remains at peak performance.

Profile of Futaba Ito

Futaba Ito was born in Iwate Prefecture in 2002. She achieved the title of the youngest winner of the Bouldering Japan Cup at just 15 years old and won a gold medal in bouldering and a silver in combined events at the 2018 Asian Championships. She has also made history as the first Japanese female climber to complete the challenging V14 route. With her sights set on earning a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Futaba continues to push the boundaries of her athletic abilities.

About Pilates Studio BB

Operating nine locations across the country, with a new studio set to open in Ebisu in March 2025, Pilates Studio BB has been a forerunner in personal Pilates training since its founding in 2009, even before the recent popularity surge. They offer a remarkable 20,000 personal training sessions annually, making it one of the largest personal Pilates studios in Japan. With a diverse clientele ranging from athletes to the general public, Studio BB has established a solid reputation in the field.

For more information, visit their official website at Pilates Studio BB and check out their Instagram.

Note: In accordance with advertising regulations, the training fees include a request fee for Kuroko. The athlete, Futaba Ito, did not request to participate in the video, but to honor her value as an athlete, our studio compensated her for her appearance.