As mentioned in Part 1, as a Pilates instructor, I love seeing my clients progress. Anyone teaching the original repertoire will see their clients get stronger, become more flexible, and gain better stamina with consistent practice. 

Once people master the basics, it’s fun to add new variations of familiar exercises and I’m lucky to work in a Pilates studio that offers a range of mind-body fitness styles as an adjunct to Pilates training. I get to watch how Pilates clients apply their skills to Bodhi Suspension Training, CoreAlign, MOTR and Barre. These mindful movement disciplines build on Pilates in interesting and novel ways.

Here’s my second 3 of 6 exercises and I hope you’ll enjoy trying these variations!

Mat Cat/Cow vs CoreAlign Cat/Cow
I try to include some version of a cat stretch in almost every workout. The unloaded spinal flexion and extension is a great warm up or cool down. But on the CoreAlign, the carts move under the hands, providing the feel of scapular movement with the spinal movement. I’ve been in the fitness field for 15 years and seeing this variation of Cat/Cow was a revelation. The gliding of the carts really helps my clients coordinate their shoulder and spinal movements, without any help or cueing from me.

Mat Side Leg lift vs Bodhi Tick Tock
The stability piece of the side leg series is reversed in the Bodhi Tick Tock. The lying side leg lift has the leg moving from the hip joint whereas Tick Tock has your client balance on their standing leg and stabilize their torso as it pivots over their leg. The result is a huge trunk stability challenge. I had a client say, “it feels like a brain teaser for my body”.

Mat Bridge vs CoreAlign Hoof
Both exercises open the hip with bent knees and engage the hamstrings. But the CoreAlign Hoof gives clients a chance to balance upright and practice good ankle and toe alignment; key elements of a successful gait.