One of my clients recently relayed the following story to me, reflecting how she uses her Pilates Core training.
She was expecting what was predicted to be the last big snowstorm of the season. She loves the snow, so it wasn’t a problem for her—but she had fallen on the ice an unprecedented three times this winter.
At 52, she’s noticed what a difference a solid year of regular Pilates practice has made in her life, from shoveling snow to lifting laundry baskets — even falling. Yes, falling. She reported to me that she noticed how she instinctively engaged her core as she fell, and how she’s sure it helped her stay balanced longer.
She also said she noticed how much easier shoveling snow was this season, how much faster she could go, and how much more she could lift — without hurting herself. She also noticed she needed fewer breaks this year.
According to this client, the biggest difference Pilates has made during her full year of consistent practice is awareness. She’s more aware of her breathing, her core muscles, and how using her body to support her has eliminated what used to be regular tweaks in her lower back. I think the fact that she mentions what a difference Pilates has made in the way she lifts a laundry basket illustrates the value of being aware.
If you think about how much you bend, lift, sit and stand during the day, learning (or relearning) how to do those seemingly mundane moves could help you avoid injury and get stronger!
Here’s what I mean:
Always begin your exhale before you lift.
Engage your core (even if you can’t feel it yet) before you stand orlift.
Use your bum (consciously tighten it) to help you lift — and keep weight in your heels as you stand.
Try to be aware of how much you are asking your legs to do during the day. Try to shift some of that work to your breathing, bum and core. Let your entire body help you instead of only the parts you think should be working. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your body responds.
I think everybody, from new moms to aging parents can benefit from being more aware, breathing better and moving in a way that keeps injuries at bay can benefit. Lifting laundry baskets and shoveling snow just got a lot easier! Who knew? One of my clients did.
If you would like more information about how I help clients with the “everyday” activities as well as their specific sport/activity, please visit SusannaEngFitness.com and review a few of the short videos. You can also schedule a FREE 30min Core Call to answer any questions and investigate the opportunity to work together. You can also print a copy of my FREE Core Tips!
