What the Heck is Pilates?
When I first got certified over 19 years ago, people would often pose this question. With newness and enthusiasm, I would over-answer and confuse people. When I repeatedly saw my potential client’s eyes roll back in their heads, I decided to write a catchy elevator speech. So check it out:
Pilates is a mind-body discipline that strengthens and stretches your core muscles, increases the flexibility of your spine, and will improve everything in your life from surfing to sex!
Hey, sex sells but in this case it happens to be true. We constantly teach students how to train their pelvic floor muscles which is the base of your core. This has many benefits and an improved sex life is a proven one!
What I love about Pilates is the principles and benefits transfer to everything you do in life (see sex comments above 🙂 From sitting at your desk, to working out, to playing your favorite sport, to standing in line at Starbucks. In summation, having a healthy spine and a strong core to support it will improve your overall quality of life!
Why Do Pilates on My Total Gym?
Many of Joseph PIlates’ brilliant exercises are done on a mat on the floor – an obviously flat surface. Due to laws of Physics and gravity, these exercises can be very difficult and even unattainable for beginning or even advanced students. As you’ll see in the video, your Total Gym actually allows us to manipulate gravity by changing the level of the floor. I know this may sound weird but you will see what I mean when you watch the video and try the exercises on your Total Gym.
4 Awesome Pilates Exercises in the Video:
1. PLANK – What an awesome exercise because it challenges and strengthens all the muscles of your Core. Remember, your Core consists of all the muscles that support your spine. Not just the muscles you can see in the mirror, but also all the musculature that supports your spine on your backside.
Benefits of Plank on Your Total Gym: You can “elevate the floor” by using the incline of the glide board. As you get stronger and perfect your form, you can gradually lower the level off the glide board accordingly. On the flip side, I show you options to turn up the volume to add intensity! Also, you will find it much kinder on your wrist joint.
2. ROLL-UP & ROLL-DOWN – This gem is a great stretch for the spine, a functional core strengthener that will keep your spine supple and flexible.
Benefits on Your Total Gym: Again, we use the incline to reap the most benefit from this phenomenal exercise.
3. TEASER – A very advanced Pilates exercise that is made fun and doable by using the incline and the pulley system.
Benefits on Your Total Gym: You can do it! Not many mere mortals can perform a proper Teaser on the mat.
4. AbCrunch – If you only treat yourself to only one accessory, this is the one!
Benefits of Plank on Your Total Gym: Not only is this a super-duper core strengthener, it is sooooo yummy for the back! The back extension and back stretch is so therapeutic for a supple spine. After a long day of sitting, my clients beg me for this exercise!
I’d love to hear from you so keep the comments and questions coming!
Enjoy Team!
