Abdominal Curls & Rotation
– #pilates4life2020: #3 of 31 exercises
Why do The Chest Lift & Rotation?
This strengthens our abdominals, but also teaches us breathing and deep abdominal activation. And it is this activation that makes the exercise so effective if done well.
✅ Coordinating breathing and movement
✅ Abdominal strength
A Quick Guide to Abdominal Curls & Rotation
💡 If you want help with Deep Core Activation (essential for this exercise) – ask in the comments 😀. Here’s a hint – don’t allow your abdomen to balloon out while lifting your torso.
💡 Just like the One Hundred and the Roll Downs: allow your spine to melt into the floor as you roll up your torso. Lift from your rib cage and not your head or neck.
💡 Roll up as high as you can – but without your abdomen ballooning out!
💡 For an extra challenge – keep your tailbone and lower spine imprinted into the mat throughout! Ha ha!
💡 Rotations: how much rotation and how much side movement is there? Try with your fists into your breastbone – does that change the sensation of rotation for you?
Joseph Pilates on physical fitness and being:
💬 “… Everything should be smooth, like a cat (…) natural movements … with the emphasis on doing and being”. – it’s about mind and body!
