This is what the Pilates teacher instructs his/her students to do during the “leg circles” exercise. Leg circles are done while lying on your back on a mat with one leg straight up towards the ceiling. The goal is to keep your pelvis and low back stable while each leg circles one at a time from the hip joint- across, down, over, and up. “Leg circles” is one of the many great Pilates exercises that require the core muscles’ stabilizing powers while another body part, often arms or legs, moves through space. The optimal breathing pattern in Pilates…..in through the nose and out through the mouth and coordination of the breath with movement contributes to the “mind-body” benefit of Pilates.

What I love about Pilates is how great I feel after a class. I feel taller, stronger, leaner, and energized! Of course, the most immediate result is that I feel so much more energized and alert after class. I walk and sit taller afterwards too. The strength benefits of Pilates are so obvious to me when I inadvertently take a week off! I feel it! Acquiring leaner and longer muscles takes a little time. How long depends on your body type and how frequently you do Pilates.

What do my clients say? “Sue Bream has a great pilates class!! Every time it reduces my hip tension and I leave with reduced knee pain. I highly recommend her classes!! :)” -Andrea

Need I mention that anyone can do Pilates? There are so many exercises to choose from and modifications for each one. Athletes, pregnant women, teens, older adults, cancer patients and recovering cancer patients, obese, etc…..

Check out a class if you haven’t already done so. I recommend starting with a small class and/or private lesson to get the basics down.