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In my last blog I wrote about how I had qualified to instruct Pilates foundation exercises on the refomer. I am pleased to say that after much deliberation, I have found the reformer that I love and so once this arrives I will let you know and start booking in 121 clients with much excitement!

My reformer teacher training weekend was just the beginning of my reformer education and I still have lots to learn and moves to master myself on the reformer. I do feel it is very important for me to gain as much confidence on the reformer myself first before teaching others and so I endeavour to focus on this part of my professional development for the forseeable future, in order to bring you up-to-date and safe 121 reformer sessions.

Crocodile breathing – what is it?

I have uploaded a new video to my You Tube channel talking about how you can use the crocodile breathing technique to relax the muscles in your lower back and increase flexibility in your upper back too. In my video I demonstrate the method lying on my belly with my arms by my sides, however you can do the breathing teachnique with your hands placed underneath your forehead, with your elbows pointing out to the sides.

Crocodile breathing is a method of breathing that helps to relax the diaphragm and encourages you to breathe more deeply from the diaphragm rather the upper back and chest. Breathing into your belly, sides and lower back, in a 360 degree way, will help to relieve tension in your lower back, bring balance to your nervous system and help to relieve tension in your upper spine, neck, chest and shoulders.

When you are feeling tense or anxious or you just need some down time then try using this breathing method for 5 minutes or longer.

Build strength gently in your core with this exercise –

In my video I also demonstrate how you can make this breathing technique into a tummy strengthening exercise. So, each time you exhale you want to think about pulling your belly button away from the floor whilst maintaining a neutral spine. Tucking the pelvis under slightly and increasing the length of the lower back helps with this too and prevents the lower back arching into an anterior tilt ( which can cause more back pain! ). Place a small cushion or rolled up towel under your hips if you want to assist with the pelvis alignment. Watch out that you don’t hold tension in your neck and upper back and instead just focus on your deep abdominal muscles. Think ‘ narrow your waist and ribs and lift your belly up! ‘. Try holding the lift of your belly button for 10 – 15 seconds ( start off with a shorter hold and build yourself up ). Do not hold your breath though! Try and breathe whilst maintaining a level of engagement. Repeat 5 rounds or until your feel tired and you’ve done enough!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH MY YOU TUBE VIDEO

Online Zoom classes are taking a break over the next few weeks whilst I enjoy the summer with my two girls. I will consider bringing online classes back in September so please watch this space! Don’t forget to sign upto my newsletter to receive the latest class info!