Andy Murray credits Pilates for making him a better person

Andy Murray became a national treasure earlier this year when he became the first British man to win a grand slam singles title for 76 years at the US Open, and it would now seem that the Scot is focusing on both body and mind for inner strength, crediting Pilates classes for his transformation as a person.

Murray, 25, was once dubbed “the most negative person I’ve ever met” by a former coach, has now been transformed by the workouts, meaning the on-court meltdowns and the dour post-match interviews are a thing of the past.

Those within Team Murray say he is now ‘a delightful, sensitive, happy, funny, sensitive young man’ who is finally enjoying being himself.

Murray turned to pilates in recent weeks to stay fit after a back complaint but he is said to have realised the growing importance of mind over matter in his game.

He has been attending a pilates studio near his home in Oxshott, Surrey, with girlfriend Kim and has since completed up to four sessions.

“Right now I feel good, I’ve practiced well the last few days and not been waking up with soreness or stiffness,’ said the World number three who is in action this week in the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 arena.

“I started Pilates a few weeks ago which I think has already helped. My body feels good compared to the last few years, hopefully I’m good to go for the next two weeks.”

Pilates was designed by German Joseph Pilates in 1883 who believed that mental and physical health were intertwined with one another.

It helps build flexibility, strength and endurance and emphasises breathing in order to relieve stress and allow adequate oxygen to flow to muscles.

No muscle group is under or over trained and for Murray it is proving to be an invaluable addition to his training regime.

“I feel like when my mind isn’t free of anything that might be frustrating me away from the court, I can’t focus as well as I need to,” he said recently.

“When my mind’s clear, I can go on the court and play, not worry about anything else, I can play much better and think a lot better on the court.”