|
|
Feature Exercise -“Rounding Up”
Purpose of Exercise: Strengthen deep abdominal muscles; promote even segmental movement of the spine.
Exercise Background: Pilates and Dance
Comments: An intermediate to advanced exercise.
(1) On your back, focus on keeping your spine long and your abdominals pulled in. Inhale.
(2) As you exhale, round up one segment at a time, keeping the abdominals scooped. Start with bringing your sternum to your breast bone, and continue working down the spine. Make sure the neck is relaxed, and that the shoulder blades are pressing down.
(3) Continue rounding until you get to a long sitting position. Inhale. As you exhale, round back down. Initiate rounding down by pulling the belly button into the spine, round the low back, middle back, upper back, and finally return to the starting position.
Exercise Variations: The concept of rounding up can be simplified by using assistance from the Reformer or advanced by altering your position.
|
