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Tag: Matwork Pilates
Arm Circles – to Strengthen the Upper Abs
Portions of the abdomen are often under utilized. Strengthening the upper abs, those tucked right underneath the bottom ribs, can reduce mid-back pain and improve overall posture. The essence of this exercise is to continually engage the high abs which stabilize the rib cage in spite of the movement of your arms. Rib cage placement […]
Read MoreStability Ball Opposite Arm and Leg Reach
The essence of this exercise is about maintaining low ab engagement and contact of your low back on the mat even as your arms and legs move. Prior to picking your feet up off of the floor, engage your transverse abdominus by drawing the belly button down toward your spine. In order to bring your […]
Read MoreWhat is Pilates
Pilates is a full-body workout meant to strengthen the whole body, small and large muscles alike, as well as improve flexibility and mobility throughout the body. Typically a low impact workout, pilates can be done using props, machines or just your own body weight. History of Pilates: Created by Joseph Pilates in the early-to-mid twentieth […]
Read MoreMini Swans/Cobra – Exercise to Improve Posture
Improve your posture; build upper back strength; improve your scapular stability; reduce neck and shoulder pain; reduce widows stoop…This exercise has SO many benefits! This exercise it great, when it is done correctly. Frequently, people do this exercise using their traps (upper shoulders) and hang into their low backs which destroys all the benefits of […]
Read MoreAb Pulses with little ball (THE FOUNDATION TO LOW ABS)
Really learn how to engage those low abs! This exercise is one of our favorites for finding your low, low abs and feeling your abs engage in and open (instead of out, see our vlog on how to engage your abs to learn more about this). While these are our reasons for it being a […]
Read MoreSingle Leg Kicks on Stomach
Build long and lean hamstrings with this great, isolating exercise! This exercise is great for helping to build hamstring strength while lengthening the front of your quad and hip. Key points to remember are: Hold your low abs and pelvic floor in and up. Press the front of your pubic bone into the floor. This […]
Read MoreSingle Straight Leg Lifts on Stomach
Make walking easier, especially for your hip joints, with this great glute exercise! This exercise is great for strengthening your low glutes, hamstrings and low core! When done correctly, it also stretches the front and inside of your hips. The combination of strength, stretch and core stability that you gain from this exercise makes walking […]
Read MoreBow and Arrow with a Theraband
Work on your spinal rotation, your arms and your back all in one exercise! This Pilates exercise is a reformer exercise that you can also do on your mat at home. This exercise is primarily an arm and back exercise, focusing on your lats and your triceps. However, it is also great for spinal mobility […]
Read MoreSide-Lying Leg Lifts
Build strength in your glute, lateral leg, and hip while strengthening your core and other tiny, difficult-to-find muscles! This Pilates exercise is excellent for all levels of exercisers, from beginner to professional athlete. It is common in many a pilates mat class. It is great for building strength in your glutes, lateral leg, inner thigh, […]
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