Mobility Moves

This TOTW is all about increasing flexibility through mobility moves and active stretching. Flexibility comes from gently lengthening muscles over time. This can be done with both passive and active flexibility techniques. Passive stretching involves staying in stretches for a long period of time, and has mixed reviews on efficacy. In Pilates, we focus primarily on active stretching through targeting strength and mobility training. For example, do you want to touch your toes? Doing roll ups is an active stretch that's helping you get closer! That you can both strengthen and stretch a muscle at the same time is one of my favorite things about Pilates! I love efficiency!

Hot Tips for Class

I'll take you through some of my favorite mobility exercises this week, especially for the hips and shoulders. Focus on core stability while exploring the full range of motion in the joints we're moving. Muscle activation is the key to an active stretch!

• Hip Mobility

  • Keep core engaged and see how much range of motion is possible in the hip socket without moving the pelvis with you

• Upper Back Mobility

  • Since your lower back and neck have more range of motion than your mid back, focus on stabilizing your lower back while trying to mobilize your chest. That way, you are working to increase flexibility in the tightest spots!

Want More? Try these moves with me in this mini-workout!