Tidbits
Rummaging around ...
things I carry around in my brain and elsewhere.
From the Heart - Brain and Body Connections
Pilates
I came across my first Pilates book while making a break from a hospital stay. I'd been cooped up for several days (without proper food, sleep, or exercise) and was going a little bit nuts. For whatever reason, I strayed into the self-help/exercise section of the book store and 'Pilates' caught my eye.
At the time there were a few books to chose from and it took a pleasant (diversionary) amount of time to flip through the pages and look at pictures. The Pilates Powerhouse was the book I settled on. Not really knowing what I'd gotten, I headed back to the hospital.
Sometime later that night, much later, I discovered with happiness that this book talked about moving from the center - about tapping into the incredible energy and vitality that comes from that place. And another serendipitous discovery: Pilates can be done in a small space!
While I didn't find the information so confusing as to stop me in my tracks, I did find some of the exercises a little perplexing. Still - a little bit of thought and consideration, and I felt I was on my way.
Pilates works the deep muscles - this is not something to jump into with both feet (unless you're already in killer shape!) When I began 'the 100' I was happy I could do 30! (not that I was in any shape at all, mind you!) On top of all the customary precautions about beginning an exercise regime, I will add to it: BE CAREFUL, or you may be in need of another book....
The Compass -- finding Neutral
A starting point in Pilates is to find the neutral pelvis. While lying down, this is the position in which the pelvis runs parallel with the floor. When standing, this places the pelvis perpendicular to the ground. In riding, it gives us a solid seat! In life, it provides us proper alignment of our body, allowing for optimal physical health.
To find the neutral pelvis,
 | begin by lying comfortably on your back, knees bent with the feet in alignment with your hips and your head on a firm small pillow |
| slowly rotate the pelvis so as to lift the pubic bone and point the crests towards the ground, taking the back down and into the ground; this lifts 'South' and drops 'North' |
| slowly rotate the pelvis the other way, so as to lift the crests and arch the back away from the floor; this lifts 'North' and drops 'South.' |
| continue slowly alternating between these two positions, lessoning the amount of rotation as you go |
| gently find the place where North and South are the same distance from the floor. |
In doing this, you will have engaged your inner abdominal muscles.
Another way to find the neutral pelvis is to start on all fours and alternating round and arch your back by tilting your pelvis (ie don't move the pelvis by moving the back. start with the tail bone moving up or down and let that create a wave through you're spine! it feels lovely!)
The Pilates 100
The Pilates 100 is very much like stomach crunches, yet also deeper and more effective. To begin, you will start with the neutral pelvis and very quickly learn where your center is! This is one of the best strengthening exercises I know for riders. It provides the strong, pliable, resilient spine that riders need. If you can add this into your routine, you'll be well rewarded.
Wondering how this applies to riding and everyday life?
For some hands-on guidance, contact me for a
Specialty Lesson or come in for a Seminar!
When I came home after finding my Pilates Powerhouse, I didn't have the
luxury of a local Pilates instructor or gym. To fill in the void, I got myself a
workout mat and some video tapes. Here's some of the ones I keep handy.
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
