I was working with a client this week, and we got off on a discussion about the use of mirrors for Pilates exercise programs. In the 3 different Pilates studio locations I’ve owned – I had mirrors everywhere! However, right now, I’m teaching in a space with no mirrors… Well, actually, I’ve got a small, portable full-length mirror that I pull out of the closet occasionally, when we really need it, but I’m finding that I’m having my client’s rely on their eyeballs less, and what they are feeling more – and the result is an enhanced brain-body connection and quicker improvements finding the right stuff to enhance technique for all of their Pilates exercises.
Posts Tagged ‘Pilates workouts’
The Benefits of Using Mirrors for Pilates Workouts – Are You Looking In or Looking Out?
So what’s a positive benefit of having mirrors to watch the body during Pilates exercises?
Reduce Knee Pain with Pilates Exercises and Pay Attention to if You Squat or Plop
I’ve been on a knee strengthening kick lately with my Pilates workouts, cardio fitness activities, and weight training program, all because I took a hard fall inline skating with my puppy a few weeks ago. So I’ve really been trying to pay attention to my habits and here’s what I’ve discovered and how I’ve been compensating because of knee pain.
Standing on one leg to reduce knee pain is one problem, but I began to notice an even bigger problem with my squatting versus plopping technique when I sit down in a chair and even on the toilet, ( I know…more info than you needed!)   BUT I believe that I might not be the only one out there who is falling down to sit down so the muscles around the knee don’t have to work.
In the long run…this bad habit will actually make the knees weaker, so it’s really important to pay attention to if you squat or plop. Good knees, bad knees, everybody’s knees will benefit from better squatting technique during Pilates Exercises, Weight room workouts, and just getting up and down out of a chair all day in daily life!
Check out this video for a few fitness tips to improve your body alignment, muscle use, and technique for stronger and healthier knees!
