When doing pilates it is important to keep the head properly positioned to avoid stressing the neck muscles. The head nod movement should be done prior flexing the torso off the mat to ensure activation of the deep neck flexor muscles. Similarly, when lying on your stomach and lifting the upper torso, pay particular attention [...]

Keeping the rib cage aligned with the pelvis during movement will help strengthen the core stabilizers. Breathing into the sides of the rib cage will help create a full and complete, 3-dimensional pilates breath. This video demonstrates the rib cage principle and several exercises to practice keeping the ribs aligned with the pelvis during In [...]

The Pelvic Floor elevator exercise teaches awareness of the muscles of the deep pelvic floor. Activating these muscles are important for core stabilization. This is an easy exercise that can be practiced anywhere. In this video, Angela Fowler, MPT, Certified Pilates Instructor, of Pilates Tutor in Marietta, Ga, teaches Elizebeth Ellison how to activate the [...]

Building strength and mobility in the muscles that stabilize the shoulder blades on the back of the rib cage will help you avoid strain through your neck and upper shoulders. It will also help create good movement at the shoulder joint. In this video, Elizebeth Ellison, Certified STOTT Pilates Instructor Trainer, of Pilates Tutor in [...]

Pilates incorporates a 3-dimensional breathing technique . Proper breathing ensures that enough oxygen is flowing to the muscles you are using, and helps prevent unnecessary tension. A relaxed and full breath pattern encourages focus and concentration. In this video, Catherine Day of Pilates Tutor in Marietta, Ga, teaches Angela Fowler the STOTT Pilates Forward Breathing [...]

Core Stability is the ability to keep the torso stable while moving the arms and/or the legs. In this video, we demonstrate a fundamental core stability exercise and show several progressions. Refer to our pelvic floor activation video and our ribcage video first, then try these!