What’s been buzzing in my mind about our beloved Pilates Method?
So. Many. Things.
However, disparate items on my “checklist” are beginning to hone into a solid laser-focus.
Let’s unpack that…
Zen and the Art of the 2-way Stretch
My Pilates workout enables me to be in my body in the present moment.
Mind chatter subsides. I am deep inside my body and looking around to see what’s new.
Or what’s new today that may not be as I left it.
Blissfully there is no time for considering/fretting about the past or the future.
How exhilarating!
Keep it simple, keep it moving
- The order of the exercises: For most of the hour, you have a structure in place which paves the way to a deeper connection in the execution of the exercise. Unencumbered by the burden of selecting random exercises, you are free to allow today’s experience of the exercise to take center stage. Maybe another related exercise will pop into your head for a hot minute. Duly noted for later. Oh yes, you WILL do it later. But for now, just keep moving!
- One focus for the hour: Pick only one, lest you get distracted or bogged down in a slow-mo micromanagement of your workout. Use a correction you’re working on from a previous lesson or even a new moment in an old exercise that makes all your exercises a little better.
The Spine Corrector Challenge
I truly believe we should all take the Spine Corrector challenge.
NOW.
Run. Do not walk. To your Spine Corrector (or Small Barrel…you know who you are…)
There are so many gifts from Joe Pilates in this one brilliant apparatus.
Small Barrel, Spine Corrector and Ladder Barrel: there’s one that will be your perfect match.
Or why not enjoy all three?
A word about the exercises done on the Spine Corrector:
I take the name of this apparatus very seriously. There are many exercises that can be done here, but the original and most important ones emphasize the true purpose of this apparatus: Spine Corrector.
Used correctly (ha ha see how I did that?) your exercises here will open up the hips, thighs, low back, upper back and shoulders.
Doesn’t that sound fabulous??
I started doing these exercises on the Small Barrel (being petite and on-the-stiff-side) and now work on the Spine Corrector as well. What a dynamic Posture Duo the Short Box Series and the Spine Corrector are for our bodies.
Three cheers for keeping it up and forward!
Stay tuned for more on the Short Box in next week’s post.
The exercises
Part 1: The Everyday Basics
Arm series
- Circles
- One arm up/One arm down
- Hug
- Breathing
Leg Series
- Circles
- Scissors
- Bicycle
- Thigh Stretch/Shoulder Bridge
Part 2: Let’s ratchet up to full-on invigoration!
All of the above exercises plus:
- Helicopter
- Leg Circles onto the Head
- High Bridge
- A couple pop-up Teaser moments
Finish both series with some rolling and a short rest.
4 Responses
Super! doing it. 2 weeks. Part 1. everyday 🙂 One quick question. On the leg series…would one be “pulling” or “pushing” on the handles tightly to engage the whole arm or just enough to connect the arms to the back while keeping the lower back in contact with the spine corrector? I think I pull a bit much to keep my back in contact…which is no boino right? Thanks!
Yay!! Excited you are up for the Challenge!
Yes, your question is a good one. I feel like I am pulling on the handles which is helping to hold me against and anchored into the Barrel. It’s kind of a 1-2 punch with the pull of the handle and the nipping in of the ribs holding you in place. I widen my elbows and anchor the shoulders down to connect into the back – so I am nearly pulling out and down on the handles – I am opening my chest and keeping my pinky fingers really squeezing and wrapped around the handle – that should help you get your back connection.
Hope this helps 🙂
Stay awesome…
I am up for the challenge. I popped up in my teaser 2nd try! Fun! Thank you Andrea.
Elizabeth
Oh Elizabeth that’s exciting! Thanks so much for reading, watching and taking up the challenge 🙂