Challenge Your Core With Pilates

How’s it going using the Head To Toe Posture Checklist to turn on your core during workouts?
 
Are you more aware of how to reset your posture during your day?
 
One way to feel and get your core stabilizer muscles working is to hold a small ball or towel roll between your inner thighs as you run through the posture checklist or during your core exercises like when doing a basic abdominal crunch, hip bridge, plank or pushup.
 
If you’re ready for more of a challenge to your core, then it’s time to practice doing these posture cues while doing a mind body workout like Pilates.
 
Pilates exercises are some of the most powerful for strengthening AND stretching your core to improve your posture and performance.

Done right, you’ll walk out of your Pilates session a different person than going in.  You’ll feel taller, calmer, centered... EMPOWERED.

Pilates is an art form like martial arts or dance.  Knowing the history and purpose behind the exercises will help you experience the full benefits of it. 

Just like dance, the more you practice Pilates, the more you perfect it and it becomes a lifestyle. 

The first step is learning the movement pattern for each exercise then you progress to focusing on your form from head to toe while executing each exercise. 

The goal is to eventually become your own coach.  You can’t do that without having a good instructor to help you learn how each exercise should feel in your body.
 
Here are some resources to help you make sure you are getting the most out of your Pilates workouts and not just going through the motions:
 
Getting started and the benefits of Pilates
 
How to find a great Pilates Studio & Instructor
 
How to pick your first class & understand the most common Pilates cues  
 
There is no better time than the present to introduce (or reintroduce) your body to the Pilates world. 

I love that Pilates can be modified to be more gentle or challenging depending on what your body needs.  I’ve used it with all ages and abilities. 

When you stick with it, it becomes a lifestyle.  It’s addictive 😊 but a healthy one.

Pilates Rocks!

P.S. ​P.S. Want to get stronger with less effort?  Download this 3-minute Active Recovery Yoga Routine to help you train smarter, it's free!