Belly Lift tip
Note: This might not be ideal for some neck or back issues. Contact me for questions.
In a Pilates studio, in-person, there are a number of apparatuses and exercises to work your center. And lots of cues to find that connection in your body. Sometimes there’s nothing like feedback to close the chain in your body so that you can experience it for yourself.
We aim to find a lift in the belly. The whole belly.
- The low belly/lower abs between the pubic bone and the belly button. On the inside, pull this area up. Sometimes, it helps to lift your front hip bones up.
- The low ribs/upper abs at the bottom of your ribcage. On the inside, pull this area in.
- The waist/side abs between the ribcage and your hip points. On the inside, pull this area back.
It can be so hard to find this while we’re practicing our Pilates exercises. So, grab your Magic Circle!
Setup: Place one pad of your Magic Circle against your sternum, and place stacked hands on the other pad of your Magic Circle.
Movement: Push your hands into the Magic Circle turning it into an oval. Feel your upper back widen with that action. Find the lift in all parts of your belly as you round up and over your legs as you practice the roll up exercise. Notice the gap/space between your belly and your thighs. Repeat for 3-5 reps.
The tip here is can you keep the lift in the belly no matter where you are in this exercise.
Remember this feeling in your body, and maybe try again without a Magic Circle to see what your body learned.