A joint is a movable body part in which adjacent bones are joined by ligaments and other fibrous tissues. A joint is constructed to allow for different degrees and types of movement.
When your Pilates teacher gives you the cue, “Open up your hips, Open your shoulders” we mean to use the muscles close to the bones to feel as if you are reaching them open in various directions.
Your muscles can be thought of as taffy pulling in opposite directions.
For example, in Leg Springs, the lower body reaches away from the upper body pressing into the Tower poles. This opens the torso and spine. Pressing the legs beyond the hips while maintaining a strong connection to your powerhouse opens the hips. Decompressed hip joints lead to quality of movement and balanced development of the connective areas above and below from legs to feet. An open joint allows for blood to move through it.
Still confused?
When our bodies are cold, we need to move in order to increase our circulation. Quality movement is imperative. Pilates done well increases circulation in every area of the body – including hands and feet.
In fact, one of the major goals within the Method is to improve your circulation.
When you can decompress the joints, it lengthens every part connected to that joint. Your muscles connect and your movements glide.
After an honest session you should feel warm from the inside out and the increased quality of movement continues to how you use your body in daily tasks.
Speaking for all of our teaching staff, we are honored to move with you and inspire you to balanced health. Let’s work to open your joints together!
Compressed joints mean less circulation. When a joint is no longer tight, imbalanced, torqued, or compressed, blood can flow in and around the joint more readily, thereby nourishing the joint tissue and promoting better joint health. Decompressed joints promote better, more complete circulation.
Everyday Pilates
Amy Taylor Alpers & Rachel Taylor Segel with Lorna Gentry
