It has been too long since my last post. Void of the complicated observations and analysis-paralysis about how I got to crafting this particular post, for I could throw a whole lot of a) Full Pisces Moon self -love into the equation, or b) sync it with a challenge focus for full-body movement and the last quarter of the year or some other c) ethereal explanation that would allow for some cute hashtags about Pilates and movement. All of that would be void of the truth. What is true, is that I really like the feeling and stretch of these movements and I like the structure, art and flow of the imagery of these front, back and side line movements.
I selected the images for social media posting, crafted the copy and went for a bike ride at 8:30am this morning. While on the ride, I thought about why these four movements were favorites. Why they “feel so good, I want to be able to do it for the rest of my life.” Why?
I rode for an hour along the Hudson River, as is my habit for my regular cardio and mental meditation. I stopped for breakfast and made these notes before the ride back.
Thigh stretch – The Front Line
While it is called #ThighStretch and does facilitate a great stretch of the quads, it is my favorite for complete opening of the #FrontLine of the body; inclusive of the anterior pelvis, torso and chest. A heart opener and resisted backbend; it is just delicious.
Tendon stretch – The Back Line
There are many other movements we use to work the posterior chain and #BackLine of the body, e.g., footwork, pelvic lift, bridging, elephant, but #TendonStretch is the ultimate movement for me; whether on the Wunda or Reformer, as shown here.
The achilles, calves, hamstrings and glutes are fully engaged and active throughout the movement. The front, side and back kicks are just extra exhilarating. They cannot be executed with practiced control, intention and stamina. While the glutes are used to execute the movement its the free rotation of the femur in the pelvic socket that we want to retain/maintain.
Back Rowing – Shoulders
Maintaining freedom of rotation in the “ball and socket” joint of the arm/shoulder is why I love the rowing series. Having lost freedom and mobility of one shoulder due to a bicycle accident a few years ago has intensified my love and appreciation of this movement in my aging body.
Pull straps, arm circles and Front and Back Rowing are fundamental exercises to build and maintaining shoulder, lats and serratus healthy movement, rotation, mobility and freedom. I knew my body was back in my control when this movement became once again a joyous one.
Snake and Twist – Side Line to Total Body
This one! It is my personal chiropractic adjustment. A total core-centered, full control, balance and precision movement. I see it as a “side-line plank, upside- down teaser on wheels.” The ultimate Pilates movement.
You cannot fake the funk to control the carriage return on #Snake and the #Twist just intensifies that effort. On the high bar, it’s just complete badassery. I reserve the release of one hand to stop, balance and open the twist for those days I am feeling at 100% of my game, for honestly, there are times when this is not always the case.
This is, of course, truth for all practice, work and movement with the Pilates apparatus. Listen to your body, always engage and work from your center line out to the extremities. Pilates is a total body movement program and these four particular movements accentuate our controlled movement through the lines of the body.
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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.