Tag: pilates-mat

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Pilates Notes

Mat: Adding On

In this session there’s an into-level corkscrew, a teaser pose, and “leg pull down” (terrible name) which is a plank with some choreography challenge. These are great exercises to learn before doing full Teaser, Corkscrew, and advanced plank series.

As always when following a virtual fitness session, use your best judgement and follow your medical provider’s advice. If an exercise is new to you, watch it first before trying. If anything hurts or feels uncomfortable, skip the exercise until you can try it with supervision.

Equipment

No special props today! Just yourself and a mat. I had a towel handy which can be used as a head rest and also good for wiping your face.

Exercises in the video

  • All 4s – Arch & Curl, Tail Wag, Mini-Plank, Hip Circle, Opposite Arm & Leg Reach
  • Lateral Spine Stretch
  • Seated & Supine Deep Abdominal Cue
  • Bridging
  • Supine Marching & 100s Prep
  • Windshield Wiper
  • Bridging with Hip Dips & Side Sliding
  • 100s
  • Roll Down/Roll Up
  • Rolling Like a Ball to Teaser Pose
  • Spine Stretch & Saw
  • Single Leg Stretch, Single Straight Leg Stretch, Double Straight Leg Stretch
  • Modified Corkscrew
  • Side Lying Legs – Leg Lift, Side Kick, Bicycle, Circles
  • Prone – Swan, Charlie Chaplin (beats), Rockets, Swimming
  • Leg Pull Down (with preparations)

If you’re looking for more personalized attention, I’m available for private virtual sessions.

Categories
Pilates Notes

Spine and Hips

Doing leg circles with the foam roller

I’m always trying to find fun and accessible ways to undo stress on the body from sitting at a computer all day. Daily sitting for long hours keeps the hips in flexion and the back and neck often slump. So in this session we cover a number of ways to mobilize, stretch and strengthen the hips and spine, while still getting that good ab work we expect from a Pilates workout.

As always when following a virtual fitness session, use your best judgement and follow your medical provider’s advice. If an exercise is new to you, watch it first before trying. If anything hurts or feels uncomfortable, skip the exercise until you can try it with supervision.

Equipment

You’ll need a mat and a foam roller. I’m using a long (3′) one but it should be okay if you only have a short one.

Exercises in the video

  • All fours cat/cow, tail wag, hip circles, sternum drop
  • Opposite arm and leg reaches
  • Foam roller lateral spine stretch, flex and extend
  • Foam roller quad release, IT band release, glutes release
  • Pelvic scoop on roller
  • Upper back massage with roller
  • Bridging
  • Hip mobility series on roller: scissors, side opening legs, bicycles, frogs, leg circles, helipcopter, hip flexor stretch
  • Roll up (with roller)
  • Rolling like a ball
  • Teaser (pose only)
  • Side lying leg series: lifts, kicks, bicycles, circles
  • Swan
  • Rockets
  • Push-ups

If you’re looking for more personalized attention, I’m available for private virtual sessions.