Do you practice Pilates in your everyday life, or just in class?
The principles of Pilates are beneficial and life-changing in all aspects of your life, not just when you are in the studio on your mat or reformer.
Have you thought about whether you are applying the techniques you have learnt in class throughout your day after you leave the studio?
Here are some simple tips to help you take your Pilates with you when you leave the studio:
Do you find yourself slumped in your seat whilst driving?
Find your neutral pelvis and spine when you are driving your car. Every time you stop at a red light, check your posture, sit up tall with a neutral spine and get those abs switched on.
How is your posture when you are standing at the kitchen bench?
Open up those shoulders while you are preparing food. Every time you have a knife in your hand, check your posture, roll your shoulders up and slide them down your back and get those abs switched on.
Are you thinking about your bottom while you are brushing your teeth?
Make it a habit to switch on your glutes while you are in the bathroom brushing. Have a strong stance, squeeze those butt cheeks and get your abs switched on.
Do you find yourself standing in a queue with a sore back?
Instead of standing still, do some calf raises. Squeeze your legs as you rise up and down with your heels and get your abs engaged, drawing up gently on your pelvic floor.
Do you sit at a desk all day?
Don’t forget to get up and move your body at least once every hour. As well as having a little walk, incorporate your roll down into your movement breaks. Roll down into your forward fold and return to standing three times every hour and remember to get your abdominals engaged whilst you are doing it.
You may have noticed a theme throughout all of these tips! Yes, getting into the habit of switching on and engaging your abdominals is vital to creating and maintaining good posture.
The more you check in with yourself and your posture in your everyday lives, the more you will make it a lasting habit!
Do you have any habits that you incorporate into your everyday life that you would like to share? Tell us your hacks to include pilates in your daily routine.
If you would like to learn more about the principles of pilates so that you can reap the benefits in all aspects of your life; get in touch with us to book into one of our free workshops.