It’s no secret I love using the foam roller – it’s a regular addition to many of my Pilates classes, and such a versatile and inexpensive piece of equipment. But if you are new to the idea of using a foam roller or haven’t used yours recently here’s 4 good reasons to give it a go! Soft tissue release / massage. Slowly rolling various areas over the foam roller is an excellent way to give yourself a massage, ease muscle tension and aid in recovery after activity. Great places to start are the thighs, calves and upper back. Improve mobility and flexibility. Using the roller as a prop can assist with deepening a stretch (for example the hip flexor stretch picture below). And, the snow-angel stretch on the roller would have to be almost everyone’s favourite! Add challenge. The unstable surface of the foam roller means it is a fabulous way of adding stability challenges to the standard Pilates repertoire. Almost every exercise traditionally done lying on your back can be done lying on a roller – a sure fire way to get your core burning! And it doesn’t end there, placing it under your feet or hands while doing planks will take them to a whole new level! Facilitate movement. I love using the foam roller to assist movement. For example when doing the thoracic rotation exercise Thread the Needle, using the roller assists deepening the rotation element. If you’d like more tips and tricks for using your roller, come along to my specialised class all about the foam roller on October 12th. In this extended class, we’ll be using the roller to creatively release tension, add challenge and build awareness. You will leave feeling like you’ve worked, stretched AND had a massage! Sound like just what you need?? Simply email me here or give me a call on 0419 340 190 to book in. Places are limited so make sure you get in quick!
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Dust off your foam roller and come along to roll with the flow in this extended class. We will use the foam roller to release muscle tightness and aid mobility all while flowing through a beginner-intermediate Pilates mat class. The foam roller adds challenge and builds awareness and you will leave feeling like you’ve worked, stretched AND had a massage! $35* / $40 *earlybird pricing available til October 4th What's Included: 2 hours of Pilates based movement using the foam roller. All mats are provided - please BYO foam roller if you have one (I do have a few spares) You are welcome to stay for a cup of tea, snack and a chat after class. Please bring along: A foam roller if you have one. You may also wish to bring a towel if you require extra head support and a drink bottle. This class is suitable for all levels and to those new to Pilates, however if you are carrying any injuries, please let me know prior to booking. Sounds like just what I need - how do I book? Email me on move@mountainpilates.com.au or give me a call on 0419 340 190 to reserve your mat. Spaces are limited and this is a pre-paid event. Cancellations: If you cancel prior to 48hrs of the class and you are unable to find someone to fill your place, you will receive a refund minus a $5 admin fee. If you cancel within 48hrs of the class and are unable to find someone to fill your place there will be no refund. If the event is cancelled due to lack of sufficient numbers, you will receive a full refund. Balance is a vital element of physical heath. Falling or tripping can often result in pain and injury, but in the older population a fall can lead to a hospital admission and more serious health complications. Regardless of age for those of us living an active life, the importance of staying upright while running, riding or skiing is not to be understated!
So, here’s 5 tips you can do anywhere to improve your balance. 1. Mobilise your feet. There are 26 bones in each foot and each bone connects to at least one other. That’s a lot of joints. Our feet are designed to be mobile and deform somewhat to the surface they are walking on. Spending time on flat ground (and enclosing our feet in hard, stiff shoes) doesn’t allow our feet to move much. A few ways you can improve the mobility of your feet are
2. Strengthen your feet. This goes hand in hand (or foot in foot) with number 1. You are better able to strengthen the smaller muscles within the foot if the joints are mobile. Some exercises for foot strength include:
3. Improve ankle mobility. Most of us have spent years in shoes with a positive heel and sit a lot – both of which contribute to tight calves and reduced ankle range. By restoring mobility to our ankles, we are better able to react on unstable ground. One of the easiest ways to do this is by stretching your calves 4. Improve lower limb strength. Our legs are better able to support us if they’re strong. Exercises to strengthen your calves, thighs and the muscles around the hip will be beneficial in many ways, including balance. 5. Practise. Combine standing on one leg, or do calf raises while you’re doing something else, like waiting for the kettle to boil, standing in line or cleaning your teeth. Or practise walking along a line of tape on the floor, a row of bricks, a fallen log or even across the river on stepping stones! Most of my Pilates classes will include at least one of the above elements, but if you are looking for a class dedicated just to balance then The Balancing Act Workshop is for you. I will be running one in the coming months, but in the meantime try these tips and let me know how you go! |
AuthorAnne, Pilates Instructor and owner of Mountain Pilates Archives
May 2023
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