Reformer exercise for posture, control, balance and flexibility.
The control needed to stabilise and move the reformer slowly in and out smoothly engages so many muscles.
Core, tummy, glutes, hamstrings, abductors, calf muscles….
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Tag: fitspo
My happy place riding on the beach
Modified side plank exercise
This is an easier version of the plank.
This is a good alternative plank strengthening exercise, especially after a knee injury as there is no pressure or strain on the knees holding in this position when the core or glutes and hamstrings are still weak.
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with thanks to @theliftingphysio
Pilates hover exercise
This exercise can be the precurser to a plank. It engages the glutes, core, and deep abdominals. The back has to be straight and the head aligned. It’s harder than it looks to keep the back in line and shoulders down and not curve the back upwards when raising and holding the hover position.
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with thanks to @theliftingphysio @bh_beyondhealth
Hip flexor stretch
Today’s physio pilates rehab exercise.
Simple and so effective.
Sometimes when getting back to full strength less can be more.
A few repetitions correctly executed before your muscles tire again can be more efficient than loads of repetitions incorrectly done. .
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with thanks to @theliftingphysio @bh_beyondhealth
Lie on your side
Tie the band into a loop on one end and attach it around your foot.
Pull taut.
Lengthen through the top hip.
Draw your leg in
Then back and straight
and bring it back with control.
The better the leg position when straightened in line with the body and slightly back, the more you will feel the effect in your glutes of this exercise.
Feet hip width apart, Raise your bottom up into bridge,, lift your leg up, making sure you don’t drop your hip.
You will see I dropped slightly more on one side than the other as that’s my weaker side at the moment.
Try to place your foot down gently.
You only need to do 2 lifts each time before you come down, relax and reset.
Lie with your feet on a ball.
Put downward pressure onto the ball and push the ball away from you. Then bring back in.
Engage the core and glutes to use the hip flexors less.
Make sure ribs are down, back is in neutral and toes relaxed.
Its a slow journey to regaining full fitness after an injury. Patience is key.
With thanks to Tessa @theliftingphysio
@bh_beyondhealth