May 2015 Scoopby Kerry De Vivo
The Law of Gravity-- Defy It!
Here at Excel Pilates Annapolis, we pride ourselves on being outlaws and in fact promoting it, well... exclusively for defying the law of gravity that is. One of the most common results clients feel after their session is the sense of being
lighter and/or taller.
A sincere sense that they are not being pulled down by gravity. One of the most remarkable aspects of Pilates, one of the unique aspects of Pilates, is the dynamic opposition, or “two-way stretch” as 1st generation Pilates Teacher Jay Grimes states. When we exercise in a Pilates session, we do not simply straighten a limb or go out or in with the apparatus. We elongate, control, reach in two directions, and essentially defy gravity. We create space in our bodies to be able to execute the exercises and therefore, access deeper areas of our bodies for strengthening and increasing flexibility.
For example, working with the spring loaded apparatus assists us in feeling this quality of movement. Doing footwork on the reformer, we do not press out and slam the carriage in. We pull the springs open and draw the springs closed. In doing so, we are applying efforts in two ways, meaning down through the lower body and simultaneously lifting up through the upper body. The springs assist us in finding this quality of movement that we carry into our mat exercises and ultimately into “our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.” - Joseph Pilates.
During your next workout, start with the hundred, of course. And instead of just holding the legs in the air, reach them out, much like you would during footwork on the reformer. Simultaneously use your powerhouse, your "girdle of strength" as Joe Pilates called it, to lengthen the upper body in opposition. Carry this concept through your workout and you’ll train your body to be able to defy gravity, maintaining lift, length, and alignment, while decompressing joints.
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