Practice your Pilates Breathing!

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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!

 

Fabulous Mini Pilates Mat workout in under 10 minutes!

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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!

Pilates Shoulder Bridge on the Big Ball

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In this video we feature the traditional Pilates Shoulder Bridge exercise on the ball. This is a great exercise for building core strength, gaining flexibility in the back, and strengthening the arms and legs!  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!

Rivercity Pilates Home Mat Workout with a Ball

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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!

2 Simple Pilates Foam Roller Moves to Relieve Achy Shoulders and Upper Back Tension!

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These simple moves done on a foam roller can help you to open tight shoulders and provide a much needed destressing of the shoulders and upper back.

By coordinating these movements with your Pilates breath and core engagement you can sneak in a quick total body movement break anytime!

Need a foam roller?  Stop by the studio to purchase one and get your free guide to using the foam roller!

Pilates Magic Circle Mini-Workout

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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 the studio!