Classical Pilates for Modern Life
(Harmonious Pilates, Inc. original publication)
by Joanna Telacka
Classical Pilates Teacher
Business Owner
Triathlete
June 10th, 2023
Shining light on Pilates truths, honoring Joseph Pilates,
and supporting you in your Pilates journey.
A remedy for lower back tightness/stiffness?
Who hasn’t had a tight lower back at one time or another and wished that
there was a concise routine to follow to stretch the muscles out and feel relief?
Well, there is. Pilates exercises.
The traditional Pilates method, the way that Joseph Pilates taught it to his clients, consists of a sequence of exercises on the Mat that is designed to gradually warm up the muscles and stretch them to increase the range of motion in the joints. When the muscles across the lower back are tight, gently bending the spine forward (flexing the muscles that support the spinal column while contracting the abdominal muscles) safely stretches the tightness. And when done in a dynamic manner, while moving through the choreography of the exercises with precision and focus, gradually creates a feeling of muscles loosening up and the body moving better.
So next time your low back is stiff follow along with this short routine that includes some mini-exercises and extra stretches.
Important notice: this routine is not intended for acute low back pain resulting from injury.
Joseph Pilates on his method of Contrology
"You who have learned correctly how to ride a bicycle, how to swim, or how to drive an automobile need never worry with respect to the possibility of your failing to use the right technique in these skills on all occasions because of the confidence born of the best available source and authority. So, too, the acquirement and practice of the art and science of Contrology will instill that confidence in you that will remain forever for future use as occasions therefore may indicate."
Return to Life
My two cents
Whether I’m biking, running, or sitting at my computer, writing this newsletter, I am engaging in lengthy activity that involves repetitive motions. Yes, even sitting is an activity, one during which we continually remain still. 🙂
In these moments when my lower back gets tight I rely on my “ready-to-use” Pilates toolbox. And as I move from one exercise to the next performing the routine (or sometimes just a part of it), I’m glad that I know how to help myself when I need to get rid of a discomfort.
If you know someone who can benefit from the content of my newsletter, please share it with them. My goal is to reach as many people as I can to help them have a better quality of life through Pilates philosophy and movement technique.
Thank you :)
Joanna
