Pilates Jump Board For Cardio & Weight Loss
I love seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces as they leave my Sebastopol studio after discovering that they can have fun, burn calories and be safe. The Pilates reformer has a "Jump Board" which is a flat board that can be attached to the base...
The Foam Roller & Half Roller For Back Pain
The foam roller has many uses and I wanted to discuss one of the simplest ways of using it to release back pain and stress....
Personal Help for Your Home Sessions
I don't blame you if you tend to forget the new exercises and stretches that we do together in your Pilates session! Instead I grab my camera and take photos of you doing the stretches and exercises that will help you the most if you practice them at...
Pilates Magic Circle: A Tool For Toning and Shaping
The Pilates Magic Circle is a flexible ring that is usually 14 inches in diameter with two pads on either side where you can comfortably squeeze the circle in order to create resistance and improve muscles tone. [caption id="attachment_15088" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The magic circle, a simple, light accessory...
The Elephant Stretch on the Pilates Reformer
Elephant Stretch = Pilates Hamstring Stretch The elephant stretch appears to be a very simple forward bend while the legs remain at a straight 90 degree angle. This position allows for the stretching of the hamstrings to occur as well as the release of tension in the lower back....
Relieving tight hamstrings using the “Jackknife” on a Reformer.
The photographs below shows two phases of moving into a Pilates Reformer move called "The Jackknife". This is a wonderful exercise that is considered a "Counter stretch" for tight hamstrings as well as tightness in the lower back that increases flexibility. It is generally used...
What is causing those tight hamstrings?
Tight hamstrings in the back of the legs most commonly originate from overuse and tightening of the hip flexors in the front of the thigh. The tight hip flexors pull the pelvis which in turn leaves the pelvis in a slight tilt. Further Complications In response to...
Pilates Tendon Stretch for Tight Hamstrings
On the Pilates Reformer there is a famous sequence of exercises called the "Tendon Stretch". For the purposes of this blog I am discussing only the first move of the series which can be isolated out to relieve tight hamstrings. How to Begin You begin the move...
Stretching the Hamstrings on a Pilates Reformer
The most famous stretch for tight hamstrings on the Pilates reformer is called "Feet in Straps". This is a very pleasurable stretch and exercise that involves putting your feet through the loop handles of the reformer ropes and letting the resistance of the tight ropes pull and...
Introducing The Abdominal Circle!
I wanted to introduce the abdominal circle as another way to assist people in developing abdominal and mid-section muscle tone that is useful in all forms of exercise and movement. The abdominal circle is used to strengthen the internal and external oblique muscles by rotating...