Better than tricep dips…

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Want to tone and strengthen your arms without the wrist compression and pain that can often be associated with a traditional tricep dip?  Grab a Pilates Magic Circle and try this super effective Pilates exercise!!

[tweetthis]If your wrists hurt when you do tricep dips – try this! [/tweetthis]

Carpal Tunnel Problems?

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Whether you had a recent injury to your hand or wrist or perhaps a surgery, you’ll find this 25 minute mat workout user friendly!

 

[tweetthis]Have you had #carpaltunnel #surgery? Do U need a “no-hands” workout?[/tweetthis]

Unintended Benefits! A Hamstring Stretch During Tricep Dips!

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This is a great version of your tricep dip and can be a great prep exercise for long back stretch on the reformer.  If you keep a neutral pelvis and flex your feet you can really lengthen your hamstrings and feel a nice stretch as well!

The No Cheat Hundreds!

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Have you done your Pilates Hundreds today?

The Pilates exercise called the Hundreds is a great exercise designed to engage and strengthen the whole body while specifically strengthening the your core muscles.

Click to watch the video and learn a variation of the exercise that we call the No Cheat Hundreds. 

By adding a strap (or a belt) as a prop you can ensure that you are maintaining an effective upper abdominal curl and really getting the most out of this classic Pilates exercise(no cheating!).

If you like this video be sure to click like and share this post with your friends!

 

 

Squat Pilates Style

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Joseph Pilates incorporated squats into a variety of his classical exercises and exercise sequences for good reason. The squat is a great full body exercise that is very functional.  Think about how many times throughout your day you use this type of movement to sit down and get up or to bend and pick something up.

FullSizeRender (4)To really embody the Pilates method in your squats here are a few quick tips:

  • Coordinate your breath and movement.  Inhale as you bend into your squat, exhale to return to standing.
  • Engage your core!  Engage your deep abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button toward your spine.
  • Keep your spine in alignment. Try to maintain a nice straight line from the crown of your head to your tailbone as you are squatting.
  • Pay attention to your feet, ankle and knee alignment.  Whether you are doing your squats in parallel or an external rotation, try to line up your knees over your center toes when you squat.  Keep the knees behind the toes as you bend.

Remember it’s great to challenge yourself and work up to more and more squats but do be aware of your form and alignment.  If you find yourself not able to maintain proper form take a break!!

Need a quick visual demonstration?  Check out our squat video here!   If you want more support, and if you have an exercise ball, watch this!    As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call or stop in to the studio!

 

 

Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout for Home

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Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler teaches an Intermediate Pilates Mat session that you can do at home!!