It snowed on the eve of February’s #SnowMoon and rather than shoveling I worked every angle of my body – especially the shoulders – on the reformer.
Don’t mistake this as easy. It requires considerable powerhouse engagement to hold the vertical alignment of the body as uses the resistance of the springs and straps to move the arms in the shoulder joint. I caution first-timers to be very mindful of that fact – engaging the core – before moving, lest they face plant into the well. #Truthspeak
Exhilarating Movement
It is the most exhilarating movement for me. A favored sequence. It always held that spot on my list because of the challenge it necessitates of my body. After my car accident and shoulder injury, three years ago, getting back to a full, fluid movement of my limbs in this sequence was my goal. I’m close. Not complete, yet, way better than it was. Swakate is the tell-tale marker.
I find this sequence to be the epitome of the Pilates Principles in action. Centering of the body and mind; Control of the movements and all the transitions; Concentration (lest you lose face plant) Precision in execution (lest you use the tricep vs the shoulder retraction or miss-the-use of the backline to work the frontline of the body). Of course the sequence is actually a breathing movement which is why it feels so much like exhilarating freedom to my body as I flow through it, almost as if dancing.
It is not for the faint of heart, but then neither is life. Yes, Swakate is my favorite. I just like the tough stuff 😉 #Truthspeak
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Gina Jackson, is a classically trained Pilates Teacher and has been teaching along the Gold Coast of Hudson and Bergen County, NJ for the past fifteen+ years.
Certified by Power Pilates of New York, Gina has trained with Master Teachers Bob Liekens, Susan Moran and Brett Howard; loved workshop training with Cary Regan and Blossom Leilani-Crawford and has particularly enjoyed listening to the personal stories as told by Pilates Elders, Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel.
An active teacher and blogger, Gina manages a private personal training business supporting a myriad of clients, teaching all to honor their health, strength and life with the principles of Pilates at its core.