Sprucing up your basic pilates matwork exercises is as easy as
one, two, three!
IT’S TRUE ˜ VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE!
There is a large misconception that Pilates involves very intricate moves that only dancers
would be able to execute, or requires large equipment that is bulky, hard to obtain, and
expensive. But what most people don't know is that Pilates can just as easily be incorporated into
regular workout programs by using a few basic props that can be found around your gym or fitness
facility. You can even spruce up your regular workout routine by adding exciting, new dimensions and
intensities to basic exercises by way of “props.” Fitness instructors, athletic
coaches, and even rehab specialists are realizing that in order to keep their clients' attention
and/or enthusiasm for a specific targeted muscle group or body part –– changing the
way the move is performed is often crucial. Therefore, adding a prop or changing the dynamics of a
particular move makes all the difference. Go ahead, try it! You'll be amazed at how fun and
challenging it can be!
However, it's important to keep in mind that some popular Pilates exercises can put strain on the
low back in people with typical postural imbalances. The good news is that there are numerous basic
exercises that can be performed and/or modified on the Mat that can be helpful in addition to an
already established workout program.
For instance, light Pilates equipment such as 1 lb, 2 lb or 3 lb Toning Balls can help close the
kinetic chain, add proprioceptive awareness, and add challenge to exercises by increasing the load or
de-stabilizing the base of support.
STICK TO THE BASICS
Pilates Matwork is the foundation of the exercise system. All the basic exercises are designed to
target very specific muscle groups in very specific ways. Pilates focuses on active eccentric lengthening
of muscles rather than prolonged static strengthening. This results in maintaining the integrity and
strength of the joint while allowing it to move more freely in a greater range.
It is widely known that Pilates-based exercises help improve performance, reduce injury, and relieve
stress. Unlike other hardcore strength training regimens that focus more specifically on muscle mass,
Pilates focuses on toning your muscles, thereby improving your balance and alignment.
Pilates also assists in rehabilitation after injury and creates balance throughout the entire body.
It is a form of overall strength and conditioning used in the development of strong core muscles and
joint stability, which also focuses on breathing, balance and range of motion.
CORE CONNECTION
There are many variations to every exercise when light equipment or 'props' are used to target
peripheral muscles or allow the exerciser to focus in a slightly different way. Altering the way an
exercise is performed allows the neuromuscular system to be challenged in a new way requiring new
pathways be developed and even making the brain work harder.
One of the best examples is the “Ab Prep” which can be performed on a Mat. By adding
various props to this move, you will rejuvenate a basic Pilates exercise that works the core and will
literally add “punch to your workout” in no time. The Ab Prep is one of the most basic
Matwork exercises and can be modified based on the equipment used and the intention of the exercise. For
variety to your workout routine, perform the exercise with different props.
THE BASIC EXERCISE IS AS FOLLOWS:
Starting position lying supine on the Mat, pelvis and spine in a neutral position, knees flexed
with feet flat on Mat hip-distance apart, hands resting by sides. Inhale: to prepare, exhale: nod head and
flex head and upper torso off the mat, keeping the lumbar spine in neutral, inhale: maintain position,
exhale: lower upper torso to Mat.
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The following are variations of the exercise incorporating a variety of high-caliber props.
PILATES PROPS:
1. AB PREP WITH THE BALL
Balls are used to bring awareness to scapulae stabilization.
2. AB PREP WITH MINI STABILITY BALL
Smaller Stability Balls increase the range of motion by allowing the upper torso to be extended
over the ball in the starting position. This puts the abdominal muscles in an elongated position to
start and encourages a broader range.
3. AB PREP WITH CIRCLE
With the Fitness Circle resistance ring placed between the knees, the Ab Prep is performed with more emphasis
placed on the lower body, especially the adductors of the inner thighs.
4. AB PREP WITH BANDS
With the Flex-Band around the feet, this variation provides some resistance to the arms by flexing the
elbows to perform bicep curls. Another variation would be to bicep curl for 3-5 repetitions while in
the flexed position.
5. AB PREP ON THE STABILITY BALL
Performed in the supine-incline position, the rounded Stability Ball takes the shape of the spine
while allowing a greater range of motion. Alternately, with the hips lifted in a bridge position with
the head and upper back supported on the ball, the Ab Prep becomes a much more challenging move requiring
extra work from the hip extensors (glutes and hamstrings)
6. AB PREP ON A BOARD
An incline or decline-positioned board is ideal for either increasing or decreasing the challenge
of the standard Ab Prep. With the head at the higher end, gravity assists the spinal flexion while
still supporting the torso. When done with the feet at the higher end, resistance from gravity is
increased as is the challenge to the abdominal muscles.
7. AB PREP ON THE FOAM ROLLER
An excellent way to improve balance and control, performing the Ab Prep on the unstable Foam Roller
requires increased work from all layers of abdominals as well as the legs.
TIME TO EXHALE
Pilates enthusiasts can use Matwork and/or equipment-based Pilates programming to fulfill their
health and fitness goals. But for those of you who may not be as familiar with this method of exercise,
but feel the need for a change – it's important to know that even the most basic of moves can be
intensified by adding props.
Fitness facilities are realizing this as well. So if you're getting bored of your regular workout
and want to “spice up” your training – just add a little something to your basic
exercises and feel the burn once again!
Kerrie Lee Brown is Vice President of Communications for STOTT PILATES®
For more information, visit www.stottpilates.com.
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