| If you've ever taken a Pilates class, I'm sure you've | | | | so if you are having a hard time feeling your belly |
| heard your instructor tell you to "scoop your abs." If | | | | soften and flatten then go back and just practice the |
| you're confused exactly what this means or how to | | | | breathing. Just don't get frustrated and keep trying! |
| do this, I'm here to walk you through it so you can get | | | | Once you feel comfortable with your scoop, try adding |
| the full benefits of Pilates. | | | | some movement. Keep your hands on your belly so |
| The first step to scooping is learning how to breath into | | | | you can stay connected to what is happening with |
| your ribcage and not your belly. Once you've mastered | | | | your abs. When you inhale, bring one knee towards |
| this, you're ready to start scooping. Get comfortable | | | | your chest keeping your scoop. Exhale to lower the |
| by lying on your back with your knees bent. Place your | | | | leg, inhale lift the opposite leg and keep alternating. Is |
| hands on your belly and take a couple breaths into | | | | your belly staying scooped when you move your legs? |
| your ribs to warm up. As you inhale, your belly should | | | | If so, then you're on your way to practicing really good |
| fall away from your hands and gently move toward | | | | Pilates that will change the way you move. |
| your head, as though you were zipping up a pair of | | | | If you're still not sure if you're scooping correctly find a |
| tight jeans. As you exhale through your mouth, your | | | | Pilates Instructor and take a couple of private sessions |
| belly pushes the air out and when you inhale you do it | | | | so you're getting the full benefit from your classes. |
| all again. Practice this until you get the rhythm of it. The | | | | Once you've turned your attention to your scoop and |
| "scoop" is basically a hollowing and sinking of the belly | | | | practice it enough times, it becomes second nature |
| instead of a hardening and pushing out. This can only | | | | and you can start to think about other concepts like |
| be accomplished if you are not breathing into your belly | | | | oppositional energy! |