stretch with shannon

Whenever I have new students in my Pilates classes, especially when I’m teaching at the beginning of a semester, I focus on teaching the breath and the basics of each exercise. When working with regulars or a more advanced  group I always emphasize the signature Pilates stance.

As pictured (ignore my gross feet), the heels are touching toes a few inches apart. Not quite as wide at first position in ballet. Not parallel either. The inner thighs are glued together keeping the legs, gluts and entire lower body engaged. Try it by laying on your back and lifting your feet into the air in Pilates stance.

This stance is used while laying on the back and doing ab work, including the Fab 5. I feel the biggest difference while I’m laying on my stomach working my back. Keeping the heels together makes lower back exercises challenge the gluts as well. Try it by laying on your stomach, feet in Pilates stance. Now stack your palms under your forehead and use your lower back and shoulders to lift the chest up and off the ground (reverse crunches). See?

Besides during your workout, you can stand in Pilates stance anytime and feel the lower body doing a little extra work- in a good way. Wait in line with your heels together and feel yourself stand up straighter!