The Jump Board With The Arc; Beginning Weight Loss & Cardio
This article follows the prior blog on the Pilates jump board that explains the general mechanics of jumping on the reformer....
Relieve Spasms and Soreness in the Back
Many people find immediate relief from back pain by doing the long spine massage move on the Pilates reformer. You put your feet in the straps of the reformer and it gently lifts your legs and lower body up off of the reformer carriage beginning...
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...