Thursday, September 16, 2010

Planes of Movement

Understanding basic anatomy and physiology are essential to teaching Pilates properly. Pilates is a movement system based on utilizing the joints in all planes of movement. When we move the joints in all planes of movement, the body feels refreshed, alive, and ready for the activities necessary for a happy life.

Movement in the sagittal plane are called flexion and extension. Examples of this are the Roll Up and the Swan.

Movements in the frontal plane (coronal) are called lateral flexion or side bending. Examples of this are Mermaid, Seated Side Stretch, and Side Lift.

Movements in the transverse plane are called rotation. Examples of this include Spine Twist, Saw, and Short Box Series Twist and Tilt (obliques).

Think about working in all planes of movement when designing a class. Pilates is a form of exercise that stresses joint release, and freedom of movement in the joints without stressing the joints.

Focus on moving the joints in all their planes of motion. This includes
flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion, and rolling.

Joint stabilization as well as joint mobilization are an important part of every Pilates work-out. In Pilates we focus on multiple joint movements with every exercise.

As clients progress, the advanced exercises include more multi-planar and multi-joint movements as well as increased difficulty and need for stability.

Utilizing the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, Trapeze Table, and Magic Circle help provide improved functional fitness in new and varied planes of movement.