When very fit individuals come to our studio for their first Pilates
experience, we often hear "my abs are really strong and I'm super-fit,
so I want a hard workout." So they take a class or a private, and
while the instructor tries to cue them to follow proper technique and
work more deeply, their mind is fixed on a "feeling" delivered by
another workout and NOT focused on Pilates. So sometimes, Pilates can
be a disappointment!
Well, by the logic of "my abs are really strong
and I'm super fit, so....", we should walk into a martial arts studio
and say "we can kick (from our Rockette days) and we're strong (thanks
to Pilates), so just put us with the black belts."
That's
hilarious, right?! I hope you got a good laugh out of that. True,
"fit" individuals may progress faster than others at a new endeavor,
but everyone must adopt a
beginner's mindset
when starting a new activity if they want to see results. Though there
are exceptions, people who don't see results, usually didn't take the
time to learn the proper way to do it. Every sport or dance style --
or almost every activity, really -- has a technique that should be
followed to achieve maximum results. From a golf swing to a
quarterback's throw, from a hurdler's leap to a pirouette, some expert
in the field has taken the time to document the proper biomechanics
that make the ball go further or the hurdler go faster or the dancer
turn beautifully.
This week we'll focus on different aspects of
Pilates technique from pelvic placement to ribs to shoulders, but until
then, here are some general tips you can follow:
1. SLOW DOWN!
Don't speed through your Pilates session. Slower is harder. Faster is
easier. breathing deeply and fluidly (no grunting!) may help with this.
2. Listen to your instructor and follow their cues. Could you pull your abs in more? Are your shoulders down?
3. Think QUALITY not QUANTITY: are you stretching your legs fully? are you pulling your abs in as much as possible?
4.
STOP if something hurts. Pilates is not meant to hurt. If your neck
hurts, set your head down. If your hip flexors are gripping, rest.
If you're just aching to have more info now, please log onto www.ultimatepilatesworkouts.com
and watch the technique video on the training page. (You must be a
"basic member" to do this, but basic membership is absolutely FREE!! Ultimate Pilates Workouts offers free and unlimited access to full-length Pilates workouts! Free Pilates workouts online! Create your own cutomized Pilates DVD! And, it's perfect for all levels!)
And try the Spine Twist....an exercise that seems very simple when done improperly, but when done well, can really make you feel your abs!