While the utilization of props (balls, fitness circle, straps, blocks), can easily add a strength challenge to any mat exercise, can props improve flexibility and decrease tension as well? How about change your alignment and enable the core muscles to work more effectively and specifically? Can using a prop inhibit improper biomechanics? Can it reduce the chronic tightness in our hips and shoulders?
The answer to the above questions are YES. Using props in a Pilates mat class can work wonders for increasing flexibility and correcting improper biomechanics.
For example, a small ball between the knees engages the adductors and helps to stabilize the pelvis and engage the core. A yoga strap is a tool for deeper stretching, a theraball challenges balance and stability and a yoga block may be used to open the joints and is used as a stability tool when placed under the pelvis. The props PROP your bones up so you can feel the origin of the muscle, using a muscles full length when extending! It may sound Greek but it is easier performed than stated. We hope you will come to experience it yourself, as we believe it will literally CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
We do it all at Mind Your Body, and each class has something different to offer and is always a challenge. One can start with our Basic Tower/Mat class on Monday’s at 4:30 PM. For a full class schedule, please visit https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/home.asp?studioid=3187.


