Fitness & Exercise

Toning the Glutes: Pilates Bridging Exercises

What it is:
It's time to firm, tone and sculpt the gluteal muscles!  Most of us have some (or many) complaints about our tush.  It seems most of us think our bottoms are too big or not big enough – and no matter what the complaint most of us are looking for it to be a bit more toned!

Our Goal:
In this next bundle of posts I am going to explore glute exercises in all positions.  These exercises will help us (if done consistently) tone, sculpt and get to those really stubborn areas (Saddlebags!!)

Fitness & Exercise

Abdominal Strengthening with Classical Pilates Exercises

What it is:
Pilates is famous for it’s efficient ability to strengthen, create length and to sculpt beautiful abdominal muscles. Our abdominal, pelvic and hip area is where we find our center of gravity and where all movement is supported and stabilized from. We must work diligently to not only strengthen this area but also foster length and awareness of subtle changes in our abdominal and pelvic area. Here are some Classical Pilates Abdominal exercises that call for that strength, flexibility and keen awareness.

Fitness & Exercise

Pre-Pilates Strengthening Exercises for the Rectus Abdominis and the Obliques

What it is:

Fitness & Exercise

The Transverse Abdominal

What it is:

Fitness & Exercise

Map of the Abdominals

Today, I'd like to give an introduction to our next area of concentration, the abdominals. Your deepest layer of abdominals (the muscles closest to the skeleton) are the transverse abdominals. This set of abdominals act as a corset that wraps all the way around the torso. The transverse muscle blends into the lumbodorsal fascia which attaches into the lumbar spine.

Fitness & Exercise

Leg Length and Flexibility: Classical Pilates Exercises

What it is:
Leg strength and flexibility are essential in keeping us functioning well and feeling our best. If we create a nice balance of stability and mobility in our hips and legs, the rest of our body will be less rigid and will contend with less aches and pains.

As we know by now, Pilates is our secret weapon. It is the way to achieve this equalizer.

Our Goal:

Fitness & Exercise

Pre-Pilates Leg Length and Flexibility

What it is:
Our legs must move us through the world and so must remain limber and strong enough to do all of the varied tasks and varied positions caused by walking, running, jumping, side walking, hopping, squatting, pushing and on and on...

Fitness & Exercise

Pre-Pilates Leg Strengtheners

What it is:
Our legs act as our tree trunks connecting us to the earth and are our means of getting from one place to another. Because the legs have so many functions, it's important to keep them strong and flexible. Strengthening our leg and hip muscles will cause our lower back, spine, and even upper body to feel lighter and less constricted.

Fitness & Exercise

Shoulder Strength & Flexibility: Classical Pilates Exercises

What it is:
Shoulder strength and flexibility are important in and of themselves, but it is also imperative that there be a real coordination and balance of the two in the shoulder girdle because many of the tasks we perform require a flow of mobility and brute strength that we must tap into on a seconds notice. If there is even the slightest bit of imbalance in the shoulder structure, we have a great chance to experience anything from mild discomfort and irritation to some very serious injuries.

Our Goal:

Fitness & Exercise

Shoulder Flexibility

What it is: