One of the questions I hear from time to time is:
"Why do my wrists hurt during this exercise?"
Sometimes the wrists are the problem. But often, they are simply giving us valuable information that the body isn't organizing the movement as efficiently as it could.
Whether you are practicing on the Mat or using the apparatus, your hands are the connection between your body and the equipment. That connection matters.
A small change in hand placement, wrist alignment, or the way you organize the muscles that support the shoulder girdle can completely change how the forces created by the exercise are distributed throughout the body.
After all, the springs are there to challenge your muscles, not your wrist joints.:)
When the wrists are aligned and the shoulder girdle is organized to support the movement, the resistance from the springs can be shared by the muscles of the arms, shoulders, trunk, and the rest of the body. That's what makes Pilates a whole-body exercise.
When that organization is missing, the wrists often end up absorbing more stress than they were designed to handle.
In the two videos below, I demonstrate a few adjustments that can make a surprising difference.
They may seem like small details, but when it comes to practicing Pilates, it's often these nuances that produce the biggest changes.
These videos have the same intro but the main content differs so for best results, watch both:)
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The next time you notice discomfort in your wrists, ask yourself whether they are trying to tell you something about how your body is being supported throughout the movement.
Learning to recognize those messages is one of the most valuable skills Pilates can teach you, because the way you organize your body during exercise often reflects how you move throughout the rest of your day.
To You Health :)
Joanna
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