Recently I spoke about my initial encounter with the Neck Pull.
The key to unlock this exercise for my body was a crucial skill not yet under my control: Hip Extension.
Oooh that sounds important.
Hip extension is a vital life skill.
It powers our locomotion and is a chief element of our posture.
Hip extension stands us up from a seated position.
And I don't have to tell you how important that maneuver is on a daily basis.
Check out this short article celebrating our favorite muscle to extend the hip as the “single most important muscle for movement and locomotion.”
The Neck Pull's Dirty Little Secret
Within our beloved Pilates method, we have countless exercises to extend the hip.
Hip Extension comes in myriad variations and many our of standard Pilates exercises are shining and straightforward ways to open up the front of the body.
You're sure to recognize these favorites:
The Knee Stretches with Knees Off: Full on gallop, human style.
Down Stretch is moments away from lifting you up and into a backbend, the ultimate in hip extension.
Make the Side Kick Series into a delicious opening of the hips and you'll want to do your Mat exercises all day long…
I've made my case about the Tree: Holy backbend, Friends!
Nothing can kick your ass open up your hips better than Going Up Front.
But this direct approach is not the Neck Pull‘s way, dear readers.
The Neck Pull, she works in stealthy, covert ways. She hangs at the fringes of our mental Pilates checklist. Having a strong center and a supple back ranked high on my to-do list as my legs inexplicably flew up into the air.
Sigh.
“Secret” Hip Extension in the Pilates Method
Friends don't let friends miss any juicy hip stretches (or back stretches) in their Pilates workout.
Let's discuss a few awesome hip extension moments you may have missed. For example, armed with only your own inner conflict you'll be amazed by how much hip opening can be had whenever we bend to the side.
No one loves those Mermaid sisters without a damn good reason.
Keep your eyes open for our “secret” hip stretch moments:
Of course, the Neck Pull: you had to see this one coming.
And the Neck Pull's underboss, the Roll Up.
The Long Stretch is a a sneaky one. Work your muscles just as for Down Stretch here and see what you think.
What?? Yes. Remember what goes up must come down.
Enjoy this short tutorial.
View the corresponding blog post here.
Thanks for watching!
Hey Southern California…
Saturday January 21, 2017 California Pilates Center, Oceanside, CA
Join me for a day of guest teaching in Michele Tandy's beautiful studio. Just a couple spots available for private lessons, contact Michele to book. Register for the 10am Mat class here.
Wanna experience the blog live and in person?
Here’s a bit of what’s cooking for 2017:
Thursday – Sunday May 11-14, 2017 Equinox, London UK
Contact Jayne O’Brien for more info and to register.
Friday – Sunday September 22-24, 2017 Pilates Mödling, Mödling Austria
Join me in Mödling, Austria just 20 minutes from the capital city of Vienna. This is an event not to be missed! I’ll be offering lessons, mat classes and workshops. Workshops include: The Teaser: The Truth will Prevail, On the Order of the Pilates Mat Exercises and 3 Chairs + 3 Barrels = 2-way Stretch and more.
Contact Andrea Seipel for more info and to register.
Saturday + Sunday October 7-8 2017 Everybody Pilates, Portsmouth UK
Contact Amy Kellow for more information.
Hey there everyone!
