In the order of the Pilates Mat exercises, Boomerang sets us off on a rolling spree: Boomerang, Seal and Crab.
Extra points for that.
Most importantly it puts an end to the Leg-Pull-One-Side-Kick-ness section of the workout.
Good news all around.
Finding the 2-way Stretch
The 2-way stretch is an amazing lens through which to view your workout.
With lots of body parts to keep track of, the 2-way stretch creates a streamlined and singular theme for your workout.
Many exercises offer the 2-way stretch in a straightforward manner. Consider our quintessential guide to all things oppositional, the Double Leg Pull.
Conversely, there are numerous exercises which turn us literally upside down and backwards. The body position of the exercise can challenge our ability to effectively connect our upper and especially our lower body into the center.
The Tendon Stretch pictured above, can be a challenge to connect and use the lower body efficiently. Our arms and upper body may want to take over the exercise and the support for our feet is not stable.
How to connect?
Another challenging position for me is when I am seated. Finding the lower body connection sitting on my butt seems problematic.
The Rowing Series 1+2 presents a similar position to our Tendon Stretch but with a different set of Pilates problems. Here we are seated with nothing to reach our feet into and once again at the mercy of our overworking arms.
The Reverse Push Thru on the Cadillac is an exercise presenting a similar body shape.
All three of the exercises in this post, the Reverse Push Thru especially, have caused me to ask the question:
“How are these exercises, the Tendon Stretch, Rowing 1+2 and the Reverse Push Thru, like all the other exercises in the Pilates system?”
Where is the 2-way stretch?
Enter the Boomerang
Notice the similarity of position here in the Boomerang to our Tendon Stretch, Rowing 1+2 and the Reverse Push Thru.
At last!
A good rolling exercise is brilliant tool to illuminate our 2-way stretch.
The interplay of our dynamic opposition is imperative for success in rolling exercises. Lose connection to half of your body and the rolling suffers at best, and at worst it clunks to a stop.
Reach your lower body in the same manner as in our rolling exercise and see how much can come alive in our seated position exercises. It's a game changer.
All you have to do is say the magic word: Boomerang!
Related Mat posts:
- 3 Quick & Dirty Tricks that ROCK! So you will too.
- 3 MORE Quick & Dirty Tricks that ROCK! So you will too.
