"Rolling through your spine, flatten your back against the mat, then gradually roll your weight through on to your tail bone - increasing the space between your lower back and the mat - then come back through neutral."
If it is the clients first couple of classes I tend to get the side-glance of confusion and a raised eyebrow. What is reassuring is that it is not my directions that are the issue (though I did worry that it was for quite some time), it is actually a condundrum where neutral spine is.
The rule of thumb, once upon a time, was the pubic bone and hip bones are on a parallel plain, with all three points being at the same height as each other. I have come to learn that this is not the case as I am Exhibit A.
It is crucial that you find your neutral spine (along with your voice, life path and that pair of jeans that went walk about last summer). Looking at your 'Mat Neighbour' will not answer that life-long question of where you should place your spine - that is what delightful Instructors are for, to help you find it!
If it is the clients first couple of classes I tend to get the side-glance of confusion and a raised eyebrow. What is reassuring is that it is not my directions that are the issue (though I did worry that it was for quite some time), it is actually a condundrum where neutral spine is.
The rule of thumb, once upon a time, was the pubic bone and hip bones are on a parallel plain, with all three points being at the same height as each other. I have come to learn that this is not the case as I am Exhibit A.
It is crucial that you find your neutral spine (along with your voice, life path and that pair of jeans that went walk about last summer). Looking at your 'Mat Neighbour' will not answer that life-long question of where you should place your spine - that is what delightful Instructors are for, to help you find it!
It may sound like the delightful beginning to a candy floss coloured cartoon, however I am referring to the the weird and wonderful ways one can position their pelvis and spine.
At the beginning of each lesson, once the class is settled and honing into their bodies, I ask them to come into Pilates Relaxation Position and, importantly, into neutral spine.
At the beginning of each lesson, once the class is settled and honing into their bodies, I ask them to come into Pilates Relaxation Position and, importantly, into neutral spine.