"What is the purpose of learning how to properly use the iliopsoas muscle, and how does this affect exercise technique from a Pilates perspective?" This was the question asked of me, which led to an interesting few days of contemplation about how I think, what I...
Extension the spine is the opposite of flexion. From a terminology standpoint, it’s helpful to be specific. If the cue is “bend the spine” it could move in one of three directions. Forward (spine flexion), Backward (spine extension), or Sideways (lateral flexion). The other direction our spine moves is to rotate or twist. Normally “bending” means flexion, or moving the body forward towards the legs. Extension would be taking the body backwards in the opposite direction, OR un-bending.
The Benefits of Spine Extension. Tips and Techniques for Increasing Spine Mobility. Exercises to Practice Spine Extension. Practicing Extension with Pilates. Extension (As defined by the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary) Pronunciation: ik-'sten(t)-sh&n Function:...
The benefit of Pilates is efficient movement. Movement is health, health is life. The spine is the vertical support for our structure. It protects the nerves that cue our bodies for movement. Breath pumps nourishing fluids from the brain to the body and assists in...
The Benefit of Learning Good Hip Mechanics Do you spend most of your workday sitting? Or are you older and noticing that your activity level has decreased? Want to learn to sit, stand, and walk pain free? Take pressure off your lower back, and SI joints. Increase hip...
"A man is as young as his spinal column. If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young." -- Joseph H. Pilates It seems that one of the primary differences between Pilates and "traditional" weight room workouts...
The scoop is a signature concept for Pilates training, as well as a topic for much debate. Every teacher has an opinion on whether the Pilates exercises should be done with a scoop or neutral spine. It's impossible not to land on one side of the political fence or the...
Breathing is a very important part of being alive! How we breathe can make a difference in our good or poor posture, how much oxygen we get to our brain to think clearly, and better breathing habits can make a significant difference in how well we move to reduce the...