Pilates

Earlier this week I wrote about a few bad habits people get into in their rolling exercises.  Naturally now we have to take one in depth.

I chose open leg rocker this week because you really have to keep the shape to make it work. And, the big thing is that it's the breath and the abdominal muscles combined with the curved shape that make it roll. Open leg rocker also has a nice little balance piece at the start and end. This is a classic Pilates mat exercise and unless you have back or neck issues, you can try it.

Learn Open Leg Rocker

Not doing rolling exercises? Do Open Leg Balance

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{image: open leg balance, set up for open leg rocker. Courtesy of Peak Pilates}

We love our rolling* exercises in Pilates. If you do them right, using your breath and abdominal muscle control rather than momentum, they feel amazing and give your abs a real workout. Also, rolling stimulates the spine, circulation, and breath.

But, it really takes a lot of determination for some of us to roll well. And in the process, I have to say there are some, well, ways to cheat. Of course, they only keep us from getting the full benefits of the exercise. In my observations there are three classes of Pilates roll cheaters: Read More...

Not long ago one of our Pilates Forum members posted a request for side scissors exercise.  They were wondering why the instructions weren't already on this site. Considering there are literally well over a hundred  free exercise instructions here I really don't know how I skipped side scissors, I say,  a little red-faced.

I like side scissors. It's fun -- you kinda have to cop an attitude to do it well. Side scissors makes you stabilize with your whole Pilates powerhouse -- abs, butt, back, thighs -- and you have to get a flowing hip flexion and extension going at the same time without disturbing your form. Try it.

Learn Pilates Side Scissors

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{model: Susie Haggas, (c)2012, Marguerite Ogle}

Deciding to go for Pilates instructor training is a big decision, and an exciting one. The best advice I can give you is to do as much research as you can upfront. I have written quite a bit  about instructor training here at pilates.about.com.  Now I have even more resources for you -- videos. How cool is that? Read More...

Yes, it's Cinco de Mayo, but Saturday, May 5th is also Pilates Day® this year. Pilates Day® is a project initiated the Pilates Method Alliance meant to celebrate Pilates and increase awareness of the Pilates Method. Well, hey, we do that everyday here at pilates.about.com but in honor of Pilates Day® we can definitely show some extra spirit.

Here are 10 great ways for you to enjoy Pilates this weekend: Read More...

A strong back is a beautiful back. And, a strong back makes for beautiful posture which is a set-up for better knees, better hips, and  less neck and back pain. Of course, a strong back is always happiest working in tandem with a strong belly.

These 5 back exercises are extensions that lengthen and strengthen when you support these moves with your abs and really, your whole powerhouse.  We're all about the whole body. Always. Enjoy.

Learn 5 Back Extension Exercises

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{photo (c)2009, Marguerite Ogle}

I enjoy house and garden tours. I like to see what other people have done with their properties and get creative solutions I can bring home to mine. Of course, Spring is peak time for such events, which is what gave me the idea to host a Pilates Studio Tour here at About.com.

Last week, in my newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter posts I invited Pilates studio owners to submit photos and descriptions of their studios. I also asked them to share what they felt was personally special about their studio as well as tips for others. The response has been wonderful. Now I'm very pleased to open the tour to anyone who would like enjoy seeing, and reading about, studios from all over the globe. So far we have studios across the U.S, in Europe, and even some from the southern hemisphere with more adding on.

If you've not been to a Pilates studio, here's your chance to get inside a bunch of delightful ones. If you are a studio owner, there is much to be learned from what others are doing. And of course, there are many of us who just like to look.

The Online Pilates Studio Tour is an ongoing project so check back to enjoy the updates as they come in. If you are a studio owner, be sure to submit your studio. All submissions that follow the guidelines are accepted.

Enjoy our Online Pilates Studio Tour

Add Your Studio to the Tour

_{featured image: Pilates Studio Genova, Italy}

We have a very special workout this week. Rael Isacowitz, whose book Pilates just won our Readers' Choice Award for Best How to Do Pilates Book, has given us Pilates step barrel workout. I know those of you who have access to a step barrel are going to be thrilled.

Even if you don't yet know what a step barrel (also known as a spine corrector) is, you will still want to look at this workout. The sequence includes many exercises that have mat exercise counterparts and I've added those links to those exercise instructions. It is very interesting to see how  Pilates mat exercises translate onto equipment. You will also find a few exercises that you can adapt to the foam roller. In any case, the opportunity to see Rael Isacowitz demonstrate a Pilates sequence is a learning experience in itself.

Learn a Step Barrel Workout with Rael Isacowitz

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{image: (c)BASI Pilates, licensed to About.com}

News flash: We are the earth and our health is completely dependent on the health of our environment. There is no way to have wellness without attending to the purity and vitality of air we breathe, the soil our foods are grown in, the water we drink, or any of the myriad of symbiotic systems that interpenetrate our lives on this planet.  Which is why, as we celebrate Earth Day (April 22) this weekend, I thought it would be good for those of us in Pilates to take a look at how "green" we can be. Read More...

I chose kick back with exercise band this week because it is such a good tummy, tush and hamstring toner.

If you do kick back right, insisting on  both legs parallel, you are also going to get some inner thigh and ultimately better leg alignment out of it. Oh, and please use your upper body stability training and don't collapse your chest while you do it.

I'm giving you extra tips now because the instructions for this exercise are by video made for us by Pilates on Fifth so I don't get to write out everything like I usually do. This is good clear video though so give it a go.

Learn Kick Back with Band

No band? Do it without - just create your own resistance
Learn About Resistance Bands

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{image: About.com}