move of the week: twists
We all know that yoga and Pilates have their healing benefits. But did you know that twists, in particular, can assist in cleansing and detoxifying the body? In addition to aiding in digestion, strengthening the abdominal muscles, improving spinal alignment and promoting better posture, twisting through the spine helps the body rid itself of all the debauchery of the holiday season. So put twisting on your favorite exercise list as you charge forward toward your 2015 fitness goals!
Try this Pilates meets yoga seated twist daily:
– Sit on your mat with a neutral spine, if you cannot sit tall with a neutral spine, try sitting on a thick blanket. You will know you are in neutral spine if your lower abdominals kick in! If you have a mirror near by check your posture–you do not want any “rounding” in the low back.
– Inhale to lengthen the spine even more as you twist your torso to the right. Try this with your arms crossed over your chest so your core is doing the work, not your arms.
– Continue to sit tall as you exhale and return to the center. Repeat on the other side.
– Practice this move for about 1 minute. Remember to breathe, the breath pattern assists with the movement!
- About the studio
Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga was founded in 2008 by Megan Brown, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Polestar Certified Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation and Sara VanderGoot, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher (e-RYT 200, RYT 500). In their private practices as physical therapist and massage therapist respectively Megan and Sara observed that many of their clients were coming in with similar needs: relief for neck and shoulder tension and low back pain as well as a desire for more flexibility in hips and legs, stability in joints, and core strength.
Together Megan and Sara carefully crafted a curriculum of Pilates and yoga classes to address needs for clients who are pregnant, postpartum, have injuries or limitations, who are new to Pilates and yoga, and for those who are advanced students and are looking for an extra challenge.
2214 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.683.2228
