Pilates Highlights

Seated Circles on the Stability Ball targets the deep stabilizers of the lumbar spine and activates the core. Range of motion can be modified to make it easier or a bit more challenging according to your clients’ needs.

Toe Taps with the Foam Roller is a great preparation for all original Pilates exercises as it strengthens the core and flattens the abdominal muscles. Changing the place of the hands on the floor can make it easier or harder, so be sure to challenge yourself! Keep the abdominal muscles drawn in for maximum tummy flattening benefit..

Roll Up with the Mini Body Bar is a variation on the original Pilates exercise “Roll Up.” Using the Mini Body Bar can help individuals with tight lower backs roll up sequentially and smoothly through the spine, although its use does require more shoulder girdle stability. Mini Body Bars come in a range of weights, and we are using a 4 pound bar. This exercise tones and strengthens the abdominal muscles, increases flexibility of the spine and strengthens the shoulder girdle stabilizers.

Learn how to do Pilates Lower and Lift with the Small Ball. Lower and Lift with the Small Ball is a variation of the original Pilates exercise “Lower and Lift” on the barrels. This exercise targets the lower fibers of the abdominal muscles to tone and tighten while protecting the lower back. The instability of the ball further challenges the core stabilizers so you’ll get a strong core AND flat abs!

Learn how the Pilates Half Swan with Foam Roller. Description pending.

Pilates on Fifth Video Podcast - Learn how to do Pilates Hamstring Curls with Band.

Port de bras on the BoSU is a variation of the original Pilates exercise of the same name on the Arc Barrel. Articulating the spine through flexion and extension helps increase flexibility of the spine while targeting the abdominal muscles more than the typical “crunch!” The added instability of the BoSU triggers the deep stabilizers of the core to fire as well! The result: flat abs, a strong core and open shoulders!

Side Bends on the BOSU is a variation of the original Pilates exercise Side Bends on the Arc Barrel. This exercise strengthens the core as you stabilize side lying on the BOSU and targets and tones the oblique abdominal muscles. Your waist will shrink and your core strength will improve!

Half Roll Down with the Mini Body Bar is a variation of original Pilates exercises that helps strengthen the abdominal muscles and increases the flexibility of the spine. Be sure to choose a bar that is not too heavy (we use four pounds) as you do not want to over-challenge the shoulder girdle stabilizers! Adding biceps curls to this exercise targets both the arms and the abs…what could be better!

Port de Bras 2 on the BoSU is a variation of the Classical Pilates Arc Barrel exercise of the same name. This version adds arm circles when moving through flexion and etension to increase the challenge and increase the stretch. You’ll strengthen your abdominal muscles, increase spinal flexibility and open the front of the shoulders.