If you’ve ever tried Pilates, you know that maintaining good form is essential to getting the most out of your workout. That’s why it’s a good idea to start Pilates at a studio where a teacher can correct your form.
Lottie Anderson, Founder of Pilates Studio bondi risehas taught hundreds of Pilates students over the years, and says there’s one mistake beginners make when it comes to form.
“People often round their shoulders during Pilates,” says Anderson. “This happens especially when you feel your muscles burning, but it also happens often to people who are used to sitting over a laptop and hunching over.”
Not only can slouching cause posture problems and shoulder tension, it can also make your training less effective.
“When you’re in a four-knee position, you round your shoulders and the weight immediately shifts to your hands. This means you’re not training the right muscles and your shoulders and wrists are taking the brunt of the weight. ” says Anderson.
If you experience discomfort in your neck during core exercises such as sit-ups, the position of your shoulders may be the culprit. “If you feel your sit-ups If you have neck problems, it could also be due to rounded shoulders,” says Anderson.
How to correct shoulder position during Pilates
If you find yourself regularly hunching your shoulders in your daily life, such as when sitting, walking, or exercising, it’s probably because your shoulders are an area that’s prone to stress.
Anderson advises being proactive about your shoulder alignment to correct your form. “What I find most effective is to lower your shoulders and back into your back,” she says.
To do this, roll your shoulders back and stand tall, creating space between your shoulders and ears and moving your shoulders away from your chest.
Anderson says this is something you should keep reminding yourself not only at the beginning of your Pilates workout, but throughout the entire workout. “It’s important to maintain good posture consistently,” says Anderson.
This simple adjustment can make a noticeable difference in your Pilates workout. If you want to put this tip into practice, try our Pilates routine for beginners.
