Wednesday, November 21, 2012

How Pilates Benefits My Everyday Life

Reaching up

Though flat abs and a leaner look can be a byproduct of Pilates work, my emphasis and that of Joseph Pilates, is to be able to move with ease and vitality in your daily life, not just in the studio.

One of my goals in working with you, is to bring awareness to habitual movement patterns that don't serve you, and to train your neuromuscular system to learn new beneficial patterns. What the heck does that mean?

Here's an typical everyday example: Reaching for an item on a high shelf. 

   Faulty reaching pattern                                 Integrated pattern                          





















Do you lift your shoulder blade excessively? Are you tipping to one side? Do the muscles in your neck tighten up? (photo on the left) In Pilates we start with fundamental shoulder isolations like telescope arms and ribcage arms to help you stabilize the torso as you differentiate the arms. We move on to strengthening exercises like theraband or cord work, armwork on the Reformer, Cadillac or Avalon Arm Chair and plank work to further strengthen and stabilize the arms, scapula and core. 


Eventually you gain awareness and strength to be able to reach up with your shoulder girdle still integrated with your body and your core supporting a stable balanced torso. (photo on the right) This awareness, powered by Pilates, is one of the most effective tools you can bring to your everyday life.  

No comments:

Post a Comment