Prop Time: What’s old is cool again!
Why I’m talking about the theraband, of course! LOL – I think it was popular in the 80’s. Don’t quote me on that, but I think that’s when it was all the rage. Well, as much as a prop can be a rage for a workout – ha! But with lockdown and quarantine, I pulled my therabands out, and started playing on my mat. Yes, these therabands can be used to play while working out! It’s really how I like to approach my workouts these days. If you’re not having fun, what’s the point?
In the past, I’ve used therabands only when I go on vacations, and want to add a little something-something to my Pilates mat practice as I lay on a towel in a hotel room. Therabands are good for conditioning and rehabbing muscles. Helps build muscle strength.
If you’re struggling to feel the wideness of the upper back and how much back muscles you need to recruit, use a theraband. If you only feel your joints or toes when flexing and pointing your ankles, use a theraband to find the muscles. If you can’t <insert any exercise>, use a theraband. Ask me how to use it with the abdominal series on the mat.
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.
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.
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 a set?
No theraband; no problem! I’ve come up with a home substitute. Home substitute: Towel robe ties, nylon/pantyhose, or an old pair of leggings.
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 therabands. Come with yours or your home substitute.