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Pilates Single Leg Stretch Exercise Video

Pilates Single Leg Stretch Exercise Video

This video illustrates the Single Leg Stretch exercise. It targets the transversus abdominus, rectus abdominus, obliques, scapular stabilizers and hip stabilizers. Focus on maintaining an abdominal brace to keep legs lifted and moving without allowing the lumbar spine to extend (should remain neutral or in imprint). Maintain contraction of the obliques to keep the pelvis from rotating as the legs move, and keep the shoulders stabilized. If you feel strain in your neck, support the head with your hands or release the head to the floor. As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any exercise program. If you should experience any pain or discomfort, please discontinue the exercise... Continue ...

Posted on July 10, 2008 By Beth Begelman

Pilates Lateral Flexion Side Leg Exercise Video

Pilates Lateral Flexion Side Leg Exercise Video

This video illustrates the Lateral Flexion exercise of the Side Leg Series. It is obviously a great exercise for lateral flexion and balance. The Lateral Flexion exercise targets the transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, obliques, quadratus lumborum, adductors and abductors. Focus on maintaining the engagement of the abdominals and transversus abdominis. Avoid sinking into the floor on your supporting side. Keep inner thighs connected and reach long out of the feet and head. Stabilize the scapulae to avoid tension in your trapezius. To modify the exercise, keep the upper body on the floor and just lift the legs. You can also add a ring or small ball between the lower legs to add resistance and help maintain the inner... Continue ...

Posted on June 4, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Pilates Side Bend Exercise Video

Pilates Side Bend Exercise Video

The Side Bend exercise is to enhance lateral mobility of the spine. It primarily targets the transversus abdominis, obliques and scapular stabilizers. Attention should be paid to the abdominal contraction to maintain rib connection and prevent the hips and shoulders from rotating. The cervical spine should stay aligned with the thoracic spine. The Side Bend can be modified by: a) bringing the feet closer to or further away from body to increase/decrease difficulty. b) Leave the bottom knee on the mat, do not fully extend that leg (less pressure in the supporting arm & shoulder). As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any exercise program. If you should experience any... Continue ...

Posted on May 8, 2008 By Beth Begelman

Pilates Spine Twist Exercise Video

Pilates Spine Twist Exercise Video

This video illustrates the Pilates Spine Twist exercise. This exercise is great for spinal rotation. The Spine Twist exercise targets the transversus abdominis, pelvic floor, obliques and scapular stabilizers. Focus on maintaining abdominal contraction to prevent extension of the lumbar and thoracic spine. Maintain scapular stabilization and avoid ballistic movement. Modify this exercise by sitting on a towel or pad to assist with tight low back, hip flexors and/or hamstrings. As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any exercise program. If you should experience any pain or discomfort, please discontinue the exercise and consult your doctor immediately.  Continue ...

Posted on April 3, 2008 By Beth Begelman

Pilates Obliques Exercise Video

Pilates Obliques Exercise Video

This video illustrates the Pilates obliques exercise. This exercise is great for rotation, flexion and strengthening pelvic stability. The Obliques exercise targets the transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, and obliques. Only take the legs as low as pelvic stability can be maintained. Keep the transversus abdominis engaged throughout the entire exercise. The elbows stay wide and open, as the scapulae stabilizers stay connected throughout the exercise. Feel the shoulder move toward the opposite leg, not the elbow. Modify this exercise by keeping the legs in the tabletop position, with a ball between the knees, or bring the feet to the floor. Increase the challenge by speeding the breath pattern or hold a fitness circle... Continue ...

Posted on March 2, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Pilates Obliques Roll Back Exercise Video

Pilates Obliques Roll Back Exercise Video

This video illustrates the Obliques Roll Back exercise. This is a challenging rotational exercise for athletes and advanced clients.Obliques Roll Back targets the obliques, transversus abdominis and rectus abdominis. Focus on opening your hip joints to pull your hip bones away from your thighs. Maintain the spinal flexion as you rotate and keep the transversus abdominis engaged. Keep the scapulae stabilized and feet connected to the floor. To modify the exercise, put a flex band around the feet to help support throughout the exercise. You can also a use a small ball or fitness circle between your thighs to maintain the inner thigh connection. As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before... Continue ...

Posted on February 2, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo

Pilates Swimming Exercise Video

Pilates Swimming Exercise Video

This video illustrates the Swimming exercise. This exercise is good for core stabilization, upper back extension and hip extension. This is good to improve back strength and those deep abdominal stabilizers. Swimming targets the transversus abdominis, obliques to prevent rotation, erector spinae, gluteals, hamstrings, and deltoids. Avoid rocking or rotating in the torso. Reach long out of your hands and feet. Focus on stabilizing the scapulae to keep shoulders away from the ears. Keep looking directly at the floor to keep the head and neck in neutral. Modify the exercise by keeping the feet on the floor and just using the arms, and vice versa. You can also increase or decrease the pace. Take the exercise onto an... Continue ...

Posted on January 15, 2008 By Kelley Ranaudo