Here's a yummy standing stretch series for the holiday break at Effortless Movement. Use it to keep your hip flexors from becoming dried up rubber bands that pull at your low back. Super-helpful during the holiday season when you might be sitting more than usual. Long periods of Sitting = Tight Hip Flexors = Cranky Low Back The easiest place to do this series is in a stairway, but feel free to substitute and ottoman, a picnic table or a short dog.
The Squishy Ball exercises we do at Effortless Movement are based on Joe’s arc barrel and spine corrector exercises. They are awesome for working your entire abdominal wall, lengthening the legs, and getting control over your ribcage.
A little Pilates history factoid: did you know that "pilates" wasn't always called "pilates?"
I love exercises where you can tell right away that you’re doing your body good. Simple Criss-Cross is one of my favorites because it works your intercostals, the muscles in between each of your ribs. These muscles can: Draw your rib cage inward, giving you a “V” shape, like you’re wearing a Super Hero suit.… Continue reading Build a Super Hero Suit with Criss Cross
The first concept I teach everyone is how to do a "Pilates Scoop." Many Classical Pilates teachers use the phrase "scoop your navel in and up," but how do you know that you're doing it right?
