With the number of jobs now requiring a substantial amount of computer work, it’s no wonder that so many of us end up feeling ‘chair shaped’ at the end of a working day.
Pilates is a great way to improve the flexibility of your muscles and the mobility of your joints. Regular practice not only relieves aches and pains but will make every movement feel easier from putting on your socks in the morning to getting out of your chair at the end of the day.
It’s doesn’t matter how old or how active you are already … it’s never too late to make changes to your daily routine. Here are a few of our favorite exercises to improve flexibility:
Cat/dog Stretch
Start on your hands and knees. Position your hands underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. Inhale and curve your back up to the ceiling. Exhale as you reverse this movement, drawing your shoulders your shoulder back. Your elbow should stay straight throughout this exercise.
Side bends
Kneeling on all fours, take your tailbone and feet to the left and look around. Hold to stretch the right side of your body for 3 breathes and repeat to the right.
Back massage
Lie on your back and bring your knees into your chest. Rock from side to side or circle through your kness to massage your back gently into the floor.
Spine twist
Lie on your back and allow your pelvis to turn to one side, let your knees follow the movement and turn your head away. At the end of the movement your feet should be on top of each other.
None of these exercises should cause any pain but you should gently push the movements into a stretch sensation. Repeat the movements 5-6 times.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions
The Pilatesfit Team!