Our reliance on computers has everyone worrying about the problems that extended sitting and computers cause on our bodies. Try this mini-workout to give your shoulders and chest a stretch after a long day at work!
Carey Sadler, owner of Rivercity Pilates in North Liberty, IA demonstrates a simple exercise you can do to stretch the shoulder and chest with a medium weight Theraband.
Joseph Pilates stated, “Above all, learn how to breathe correctly.”
Proper breathing is the cornerstone of the Pilates method of exercise.
The Pilates breathing technique promotes learning how to use the full capacity of our breath by emphasizing a complete inhale and a complete exhale. There is also a focus on maintaining the engagement of the abdominal muscles throughout both the inhale and exhale which allows the body to strengthen the core muscles and create movement from the center of the body.
It is not an easy task to focus on proper breathing technique while executing the Pilates exercises and still keeping a whole body awareness of our alignment and form. Just remember that Pilates is a movement practice and every time you practice it will get easier and easier, and your body will naturally start to incorporate the breath and movements!
Today’s video will give you some reminders of how to execute the Pilates breath and give you some tips to practice. When learning or fine tuning this breath it may help you to just practice the breathing by itself without the added coordination of trying to perform specific exercises while breathing.
If you enjoyed the video be sure to click like and share it with your friends!
Introducing the core, inner thigh, and back of the arms Pilates Magic Circle Mini-Workout!
If you’re looking for a quick core-strengthening, arm-toning, inner-thigh workout . . . this is it! This magic circle mini-workout is a great workout to do at home in between your classes or as an addition to your at home workout. Try it twice a week and be sure to let us know what you think!
Need a Pilates Magic Circle? Stop by the studio and pick one up at our Inspiration Boutique!
The Inspiration Boutique is our studio retail store. We have a line of fashionable, functional workout clothes (including Lucy, Glyder and Rivercity Pilates gear) and an assortment of small at home workout equipment including the Magic Circle, foam rollers, and various balls and props.
This Pilates ball workout will tone your inner thighs and abs, along with stretching and lengthening your whole body. Grab a ball, try it out and be sure to let us know what you think after trying it out!
Here’s a mini mat workout you can do at home. When it comes to creating a Pilates habit, one of the most important things is to just do it. We know that with your busy schedules it’s not always easy to get in for a full class.
When working out at home try to work on your flow and transition from one exercise directly into the next. This mini workout will take you less than 10 minutes – so there’s no excuses to not sneak it in :).
We’ve also listed the exercises and traditional repetitions for you below. If you consistently do this workout you will start to know the movements in your body and not even need the video!
Hundreds– 10 breaths or 100 pumps of the arms
Roll up – 5 to 8 reps
Single Leg Circles – 5 in each direction
Rolling Like a Ball – 5 to 8 reps
Stomach Series:
Single Leg Stretch– 5 each leg
Double Leg Stretch – 5 each
Scissors – 5 each
Double Leg Lower Lift – 5 each
Elbow to Knee – 5 each side
Spine Stretch – 5-8 reps
Try it out and let us know what you think! If you like it- be sure to click like and share it with your friends so they can try it too!
I was working with a client this morning, and she was struggling with not “scrunching” her shoulders. As we worked through her session, she talked about years of working at a desk using a computer sometimes with good posture, sometimes with questionable poster, carrying heavy computers to and from work on a commute in a bag slung over her shoulder, or a backpack carried with only one strap. Do any of these behaviors ring true to you?
This is a quick video using a theraband to help you find your Pilates shoulders. You can do this video at work (it only takes a couple of minutes, and it will help you improve your posture), and you’ll feel the benefits in your neck, shoulders and back! If you need a theraband, we have them for only $5 at the studio!
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