Prop Time: Don’t throw out that deflated ball!
Getting right to it, here we are with a new prop. Did you know that a deflated ball can be a Pilates prop? The Squishy ball helps strengthen your core and posture when used as feedback in exercises.
In a lot of ways, the squishy ball is very similar to the Magic Circle when it comes to squeezing into the prop. What it’s missing is the work of pressing out into a prop. However, with any ball, it adds the (in)stability factor of its shape.
The instability factor comes in when your spine is flexed, e.g. when your head, chest, shoulders are off the mat.
It’s a wonderful stretch as a backbend assist.
We all can use more inner thigh strength, and you can use the squishy ball to help. Try it for the corkscrew exercise.
These props give your body and mind feedback to see where you are connected or disconnected. I mean, let’s be real – our body parts may not fully know how to engage and stay engaged during an exercise. So, let’s take some help until our body learns how to do this without props. On the flip side of this, if you tell me you’ve got this, then these props can also add a challenge (read: get you stronger!) to your Pilates mat practice.
Now, here’s the thing about props. They can be tools to teach, or crutches to be dependent on. Of course, we only want these as tools. So, try a couple of reps with props, and then a couple more reps without, and see if you can do the exercises with the right connections that you learned from the prop.
A final word on props in general. The props allow you to explore, discover, investigate what is missing in your practice, what you need more of or less of in your practice, and to help you find that connection when you don’t have a prop. Ready to buy one?
No squishy ball; no problem! I’ve come up with a home substitute. Home substitute: any deflated ball from your kids, grandkids, even the neighbor’s kid! A small pillow or a yoga block will also work just as well.
Don’t wait for IRL workouts. Come out of lockdown/quarantine stronger than ever! Besides, online is so much fun! And it’s so nice we still get to see each other. Remember what you can from our classes together, and you can practice on your own during the rest of the week.
Join me in a Wed mat + prop class. Check the schedule for the next one with a squishy ball. Come with yours or your home substitute.