Pilates Mat Challenge DAY 8
Movement is absolutely essential for consistent happiness. When you are feeling low energy, depressed or sad go move your body. Preferably outside in nature. Breathe and let go. Get out of your mind and into flesh and bone. Out of the ether and into reality. Being in your body brings you directly into this moment. Being mindful, precise and aware with your movement breeds a joyful presence. Get in the zone with me.
Day 7 of my #PilatesEveryDamnDay month long challenge is what I like to call Floating Cat.
1.) Begin with hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips in a table top position. Inhale to draw your abs in, exhale to curl your spine into Cat.
2.) Inhale to slide your shoulder blades down your back, exhale to engage your core, press into your feet and float the knees off the mat. Inhale to control the touch down, exhale to lift off again.
3.) Repeat 5-10 times and then hold at the top for 5 breaths.
For more challenge: lift higher every rep. Do not use your legs to push. Keep your weight forward in your hands, shoulders and upper abs. Try a double hundreds breath at the top as you hold.
Beginners Tip: tuck your toes under so you are on the ball of the foot, not the top. Try a straight spine instead of a cat spine shape. Focus on keeping your shoulders engaged down your back.
Won’t you join me? Tell me how you feel afterward. I’d love to hear from you. The tiny victories matter.
