“Cat Stretch” on the Pilates Wunda Chair
In the photos below I am demonstrating the introductory Wunda Chair move called the "Cat Stretch" at "A Room For Pilates Studio" in Sebastopol, CA.: --Start out by kneeling facing forward on the Pilates Wunda Chair and extend your arms up over your head and inhale air as you draw your abdominal muscles in towards your spine. Bring your hands forward as if...
The Pilates Ladder Barrel at A Room For Pilates Studio, Sebastopol!
On Saint Nicolas's Day 2017 a delivery was made to "A Room For Pilates" Studio in Sebastopol, CA. (I must have been a very good girl.) The Pilates Ladder Barrel was in the larger of the two boxes that arrived. The Ladder Barrel is now a permanent part of what is offered at the studio....
The Pilates Wunda Chair at my Sebastopol Studio!
On Saint Nicolas’s Day 2017 two large cardboard boxes arrived at “A Room For Pilates” Studio in Sebastopol, CA. The Pilates Wunda Chair was in one of those boxes and has been a joy and delight to share with clients!...
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 home. You Can Work at Home I then can email the photos to you along with some...
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 that enhances results.[/caption] How to use the Pilates Magic Circle It is common to hold the magic...
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. In this photo I am standing on the carriage of the Pilates Reformer and have...
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 after you have performed a straight legged forward bend and other more basic hamstring stretches. [caption...
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 this tilt the lower back muscles tighten as they try to stabilize and compensate for...
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 by standing with straight legs at the edge of the reformer carriage with your hands...