March Matness 2016: Teaser

The Teaser is one of the most famous Pilates exercises and for good reason- it is a challenging exercise that really embodies all of the Pilates principles into one beautiful exercise!  The Teaser exercise can also be found in many of the other Pilates exercises…Hundred(low teaser position), Roll up, Roll over, Open Leg Rocker (just a rocking Teaser!), just to name a few…

So what is the key to being able to do a controlled, effortless looking Teaser?( even though it’s a ton of work!)?  Here’s a few tips:

• Articulation– This is a skill and technique you’ll learn in lots of other Pilates exercise.  We are trying to roll through our spine as we come up into the classic Teaser V shape with our body, versus just popping up in one piece.  Practicing your articulation in other exercises like roll up and shoulder bridge will help you gain strength and flexibility to do your best teaser!
• Breath– fine tuning your breathing will help you fine tune your Teaser. Ideally we are breathing as we are articulating through our spine versus that ever so common hold your breath and try to muscle your way up version! Practicing your breath while articulating in more basic exercises like Roll Up, Rolling Back and Shoulder Bridge will help you prepare for your Teaser breath.

Try practicing your Pilates Teaser with a theraband to help you practice your articulation and breath!!