When I get to Seal in my Pilates Mat workout I always feel like it’s a little treat! First of all I know I’m getting close to the end of my workout and second I get to roll which is one of my favorite things to do! Both of these exercises (Seal & Crab) really start with being able to do the Roll Back or Rolling Like a Ball exercise that we do pretty early on in our Pilates Mat sequence. Changing the hand position on each of these exercises makes them more challenging and requires a bit more flexibility, strength and balance in the body. If the change of hand position feels like too much, simply substitute your favorite version of rolling like a ball here!
https://rivercitypilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_6874-e1458827024305.jpg9601280Careyhttp://rivercitypilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/website-cover-name.jpgCarey2016-03-28 07:02:192016-03-27 19:32:01March Matness 2016: #seal and #crab
It’s March and besides getting excited about spring time weather and more sunshine I love getting to celebrate an entire month of Pilates Mat work with fellow Pilates geeks all over the world! I made a commitment to participate daily in March MATness and even though it makes life a little hectic, it also reminds me of how much I love the Pilates Mat work and the method itself. My commitment to post videos and blogs about the Pilates Mat work all month long really forces me to schedule play time into each day( rough huh?). I love the playful, creative side of the Pilates work and nothing could be better than “having to” spend time each day playing with movements and trying to decide how I want to share them with others!
Needless to say my “workouts” this week have been very playful and I’ve been getting a lot of mat work in! Today’s March MATness exercise is probably my favorite Pilates exercise ever! I have a lot of favorites but Rolling Like a Ball(also known as Rolling Back) tops my list as I love how it feels, I love how playful it can be and I love how super challenging it can be no matter how many times you do it!! I of course include Rolling Like a Ball in my formal Pilates workouts but it’s also my favorite “sitting” position if I’m watching a movie, running a staff meeting or just playing with the kids on the floor!
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The Pilates exercise called Rolling Like a Ball is one of the first rolling exercises you will learn when practicing Pilates. Joseph Pilates was very big on the act of rolling and unrolling your spine. Besides creating and maintaining a flexible spine, Joe believed that the rolling coordinated with the breath, helped you cleanse the lungs completely and maximize your breath capacity.
There are lots of variations of this exercise so be sure to find one the feels good for your body. Also make sure you have a nice cushioned mat or carpet to practice on.
My favorite advice on Rolling Like a Ball:
“Pretend like you are 5 again. Have a little fun with this one and try not to over think it! Rolling Like a Ball is meant to feel like a nice massage on your spine- enjoy it!!”
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