CREATE A GIRDLE OF STRENGTH WITH PILATES

Ask the unenlightened what Pilates is all about and they will most probably say “stengthening the core” – and indeed it is … partly.  When I went on my first Pilates training course, the instructor asked us all for our definition of Pilates and although most of us were new to it, we came up with quite of variety of answers!

Pilates strengthens all the muscles of the body – yes, even your feet, especially useful if you pronate – from the core, out.  It also increases flexibility to the keep the muscles nice and long, as well as mobility so that the joints can move freely.  By improving strength, mobility and flexibility, the body becomes balanced, posture improves and health issues such as back pain decrease.  The benefits of Pilates are many and varied: there’s not a single person who wouldn’t benefit in some way from regular practice.

THE TWISTER

Create a girdle of strength

One of my favourite Pilates exercises is the Twister.  It’s an advanced level which challenges the fitter, stronger members of my classes and needs to be built up to slowly, but the benefits are many.  I have coupled it with a Double Leg Stretch in this week’s featured video (also on youtube), but you should definitely not attempt this unless you are an experienced Pilates practitioner.  It helps create a girdle of strength around the torso offering a high level of support for the pelvis and spine as well as toning all the muscles around the waist, giving a nice curvy figure (a bonus!).  So the core muscles and the obliques are the main muscle groups strengthened here, especially when you consider the amount of control required to reach under the body on the diagonal.  But the upper body is also being strengthened and for some, this is the biggest challenge to start with: staying propped up on one arm is pretty tough.  It is essential to maintain good shoulder stability throughout the movement.  Elements of mobility and flexibility are present here too with the twist as you reach under the body and the stretch through the side of the body as you lower the hip back down towards the floor.

Start Pilates from the very beginning with our complete Beginner Course in download format: 6 videos in total with a bonus video teaching you how to find neutral position and learn thoracic breathing.  Only $19.99.

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