Pilates & Self Practice

Pilates and Self-Practice

Photos of Joseph Pilates from his book, Return to Life. (Pilates Method Alliance, Incorporated; 2nd edition)

Joseph Pilates designed the original thirty-four exercises which is commonly called “The Mat.”  Each movement, from the Hundred to Push-Up, builds upon the previous exercise.

Each time I approach my mat program, it’s a new day for my body. Perhaps I’m feeling on top of the world or my shoulders might be achy from slumping at the desk. My hips might feel grumpy from arthritis and changing weather. Or my attitude could be swimming in dumpster because LIFE threw me an unexpected speed bump.

This could have been a good or bad day - my answer is always a nap and Pilates.

The mat Pilates exercises are in my body so I don’t have to think about what is next. I lower myself to the mat (it’s not a typo, the first exercise is called Lowering), take a deep breath and curl up to start my Hundred. By the time I hit the One Leg Stretch, my heart rate is climbing. The sweat beads on my forehead during the Shoulder Bridge. At Jackknife, I’ve erased the puzzle my mind was busy trying to solve. Crab and Seal are like checkered flags to let me know my last lap and ultimate challenge Boomerang and Control Balance are right around the corner.

This what I use to lesson plan my mat classes (Etsy Shop WArtDesignStudio by Romina Gadler)

While these are ‘classical’ and I teach ‘traditional’ - they serve as a tool. I document EVERY Pilates mat class and private lesson and upload to client files.

Rising from my last Push Up, my ailments, whether physical or mental, have calmed down and lost their sting. My reward is about feeling Better.

I exercise because my body needs it to be healthy.

I do Pilates to feel Improved. Then I’ll probably take a nap.

Hugs, Love and Health,

Bett