06/07/2026
Finding balance in a shifting landscape is one of the many things we work on in Pilates. In our everyday lives, we move through the world in a multitude of ways---bending, twisting, falling, leaning, reaching, lunging. Coming back to stability is a task we practice. It is especially important as we age.
The ability to do a side plank develops the strength of many muscles. Our eyes pick up on the strength of the supporting arm, but so much more is working! The abdominal wall (with special focus on the obliques) the glut medius (from the bottom leg pressing the floor away), the spinal erector muscles through the length of the spine, as well as muscles that support the neck and head are all combining their efforts to make a clear diagonal line.
We use the push up devices to make a side plank a little more accessible by lessoning the pressure of the upper body on the arm and shifting it more toward the legs. The curved handle also allows the wrists to avoid extreme pressure.
Hristoula knows the importance of the positioning of the feet not only architecturally but energetically. Jonathan demonstrates beautifully how organizing the feet gets his legs aligned and ignited! He knows what Hristoula is looking for. He takes her 7am Trio on Fridays.
