Questions about Teaching and One’s Practice
by Lesley Powell
Here are some great questions from a teacher and my thoughts to share:
1) In Double Leg Pumps on the Chair, most clients are unable to sit up in neutral. I’ve been lightening the spring tension and shortening the ROM. Is this the right way to remedy this?
The chair requires a lot of core support especially the back. Yes, I would lighten the springs until the client knows how to maintain a quiet spine. When a client is able to maintain neutral in leg pumps, they will correctly use their quadriceps and core. Without neutral, they are using their hip flexors and back in not a healthy way.
2) Mat Roll Up – the Balanced Body book talks about “Optimum Form” being the ability to keep your hips grounded and your legs from moving. How is that possible? I know my roll up is pretty good but try as I may, when I go into posterior tilt to roll down; my legs ankles drift toward me.
A roll up is a full body action. It requires you to use your hamstrings as well as your core. Most do not understand how much the legs need to work. Your legs will change in their placement on the floor. The legs will adapt to the roll up. The goal is not to lift the legs up. The original mat with mat box has a strap to put around the ankles to assist in the roll up.
3) Diastis Recti – I have a client who has this. Her Dr. has not contraindicated her from any exercise, and has even recommended Pilates. How would you attack this?
Here is great info about this from Caroline Creager. She also wrote a book about post pregnancy. Great info about many issues arising from pregnancy.
4) My personal practice: I started taking a Yoga class once a week (ALL my kids are in school on Mon/Weds so I’m trying to have 1 hour a week for ME). There is no talk about unleveling the pelvis, hiking hips, hamstring engagement, etc.. So, my question is: Do I “let it go” while in Yoga and surrender to the relaxation aspect abandoning my Pilates Principles for 1 hour OR do I go into the poses using what I know and maintain good form (so to speak)?
Use the class as your own review of the movement principles. Part of the challenge is: can you apply the movement principles to a different style of movement. I deepen my concentration when I pay attention to my form. This way I have a great workout even if I am not crazy about the teaching.
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