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in
What is one of the most mentioned goals for clients doing Pilates training? Strong abdominals! Yes, we all want strong abs!
In Pilates, there are various movements that focus on strengthening the abdominals. The most well known are the abdominal series in Pilates Matwork, starting with The Hundred, then the Single Leg Stretch, Double Leg Stretch, Scissors, Double Leg Lower & Lift and Criss Cross.
Anyone who has done this series knows how challenging it is – it burns!
For beginners, a common feedback when doing the abdominal series on the mat is neck strain. This is due to weak neck muscles plus weak abdominals. This combination puts a strain on the neck, as the student has difficulty lifting the head and chest high enough off the mat.
To overcome this hurdle of neck strain during Pilates training, I like to start new students on the Spine Corrector to build their abdominal strength.
The shape of the Spine Corrector helps to keep the spine contracted forward, as the student goes through the abdominal series. This takes the strain off the neck.
So for those of you who have had difficulty finishing the abdominal series on the mat due to neck strain, do work on the Spine Corrector instead.
