I will admit, I was feeling exceptionally fierce this particular morning as I began my personal workout. I just wanted to move freely and enjoy the pleasure of a good sweat. I had the intention of moving through the studio apparatus with focus and attention particularly on my legs. As such, the Wunda Chair, Orbit and Ladder Barrel, along with a few stability balls on my mat were my tools of choice.
I started with the Wunda Chair and footwork, in the classic order, and then moved around the studio with fluid motions using the other selected apparatus, enjoying the commonality in the each of the movements – irrespective of the apparatus.
Telling yourself, or your students, that there are really only three movements to master with your body; Rolling “C” Curves, Rotational Twists or Lifted Extensions of the powerhouse core and spine, doesn’t make the doing any easier. Yet, the freedom to move and roll around in a “studio gym” with that thought is very liberating.
So when I digress from the order of the classical system and throw in a few curves and twists from contemporary systems; e.g., Balanced Body Orbit, BOSU Balance trainers, TRX or stability balls, its because I love the feeling and freedom of movement no matter what tool, toy or piece of equipment I am using. I know that a Pilates-trained core changes everything in movement.
In fact, in my opinion, without the firm foundation, knowledge and appreciation for the Pilates method the use of the other tools would be far less interesting, exacting or plain fun for that matter. Did you see those TRX Flying Planks?!
Pilates. It Makes You Move and move with freedom.
Gina Jackson, is a classically trained Pilates Teacher and has been teaching along the Gold Coast of Hudson and Bergen County, NJ for the past fifteen+ years.
Certified by Power Pilates of New York, Gina has trained with Master Teachers Bob Liekens, Susan Moran and Brett Howard; loved workshop training with Cary Regan and Blossom Leilani-Crawford and has particularly enjoyed listening to the personal stories as told by Pilates Elders, Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel.
An active teacher and blogger, Gina manages a private personal training business supporting a myriad of clients, teaching all to honor their health, strength and life with the principles of Pilates at its core.