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Butterfly on the Arm Chair

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  • June 8, 2023
Table of Contents
butterfly on the arm chair online pilates classes
  • Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
  • Equipment Needed: Arm Chair (I love using the Contrology Arm Chair.)
  • Reps: 3-5 each side
  • Warning: Not ideal for some shoulder issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Butterfly on the Arm Chair

Butterfly on the Pilates Arm Chair also known as the Pilates Baby Chair is a great place to learn how to work your side bend as long as possible before adding a twist. In the Pilates Butterfly exercise on the Cadillac its tempting to focus only on the arms. But when you do Butterfly on your Arm Chair what you find is the longest spine and deepest reach. If possible learn Butterfly on the Arm Chair before doing it standing at your Cadillac or Tower. Once you feel you have the connections of your arms to your back then try it standing.

Work your hands into your handles from where your arms meet your back.

Sitting in the Arm Chair like you would for the Shave and Hug exercises press the soles of your feet together. Knees wide but not hanging. Feel your legs working. One handle in each hand like you had for the Hug. Back up against the entire chair. Feel your low ribs in the chair, the space between your shoulder blades and your shoulders. Get as tall as you can as you reach your arms wide to the side.

With your arms wide to the side and pinky side of your hand in the handle simultaneously reach one arm up and over as the other arm goes down and back. Pulse the arm that is down 3x. The chair is there so it won’t go very far. Then as you left your lower arm reach your top arm down and back to the start position. Repeat on the other side. Your torso should feel like it is getting long as you side bend. If you can continue to reach more then add a slight twist from the center through the arms.


Be sure to check out more of my online Pilates Arm Chair exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Arm Chair training!

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers
Enjoying Lesley's teaching style? Willing to travel? Explore the world while maintaining your practice by joining Lesley on a Pilates retreat.

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amazon flashcards website pop up | Online Pilates Classes

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I thought it would be fun to bring some magic into class with the Magic Circle. If you hate the Magic Circle, that's OK! Don't worry - we won't use it too much. It's a great prop to magically show you "ohh, that's the muscle you need!" when we're connecting arms to back or legs to seat. And then we learn how to get that feeling without using it. Let's make some magic!

Mat props: Magic Circle or a ball or your imagination!
Reformer props: Magic Circle or theraband or ball

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle or a ball and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle or theraband or ball and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


(NOT) THE FALL SEASON

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

As we all get older, your balance may be something you notice declines. I love working on balance because if you’re not present in the moment, or even thinking of something else, you can lose your balance. You can also lose your balance by favoring one side more than the other, whether it’s right/left sides in terms of limbs, or inner and outer edges of the foot that you’re standing on.

Let's check in with our balance in this week's classes. In fact, we're going to bookend our classes - a balance check at the start of class, and at the end of class - to see how our practice affected our balance.

No props for mat or reformer.

See you in class,
Christine

MEET ME AT THE BARRE

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Have you ever done a Barre Workout? Yes, No, Maybe So?
While the moves may be a little different than what we’re used to, the spirit is pure Pilates!!

This month we’ll take the best of what Barre-work has to offer…think combinations of long and short movements, great breath focus, strength and flexibility training, or just adding a pole to our work..and we’ll apply these ideas to our 50 Minute Classes!

On the Mat, grab your Pilates pole or a Swiffer handle and a ball.
The Tower/Cadillac already comes with barres and poles, so let’s explore how to get the most out of this equipment!
On the Reformer: no added props
And the Wunda Chair: no added props

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

WILD SIDE

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

Pilates is one of the few movement practices that focuses on our side body! And, our side body is what keep us from falling! And, it's also integral to our posture. So, let's nerd out with our Wild Sides!

Let's have fun focusing on twisting, side bending and the spine shapes in between that help and our helped by our Wild Sides!

Mat class: Magic Circle
Reformer class: No props needed
Tower/Cadillac class: A reformer pole and the reformer box, but both are technically optional!
Wunda Chair class: Theraband or an old pair of leggings!

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

SECOND CHANCES!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

It's easy to default to saying "we have a weaker side" on our body. Instead, think about it as which side of your body needs a little more encouragement or coordination! This week we will focus on becoming aware of which side of your body in the asymmetrical exercises that we do is actually needed another moment - or second chance - at the exercise!

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


WE WILL ROCK YOU!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Let’s get our Open Leg Rocker on!! This Pilates Mat classic works the abs, massages the spine, improves balance, and promotes flexibility. We’ll work on ways to grow into this exercise, or if you’re already a rocker, we’ll have some fun variations. We’ll use the Reformer to helps us find more length & strength…and sneak in some Open Leg Rocker there, too! We won’t need any props in either the Mat or Reformer, just bring your Rock-Star selves!

See you in class,
Tami

ONE AND DONE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are in a no judgement zone this week as we fly through the orders doing just one rep of each exercise before moving on!!!

Our “1 rep drill” or our “1 and done” theme is in its 3rd year, so it’s basically tradition to do class this week. It’s also been a favorite because I add in some accessible options for everyone to try.

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Mat order goes FAST - so we’ll be doing a few rounds with props and no props. You can do the whole class or you can pick your favorite round and just do that! It’s a week filled with CHOICES!!

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Reformer order is LONG - so I do cut just a few moves throughout to be as close to 30 minutes as possible. Again, I added accessible options throughout, so everyone can go through the order!

Remember we want you to embrace your own journey each time you practice and love practicing in your TODAY body!! If that means you follow my variations, perfect! If that means you go for your own, also perfect!

Get ready to be ONE & DONE!!

Mat: Resistance Band, Magic Circle, and Barrel/Blanket
Reformer: Resistance Band and Small Ball

See you in class,
Rachel

    MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Resistance Band, Magic Circle, Barrel/Blanket and a mat!

    >> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

    REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Resistance Band, Small Ball and a reformer!

    >> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


    MAGICAL MOMENTS

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    I thought it would be fun to bring some magic into class with the Magic Circle. If you hate the Magic Circle, that's OK! Don't worry - we won't use it too much. It's a great prop to magically show you "ohh, that's the muscle you need!" when we're connecting arms to back or legs to seat. And then we learn how to get that feeling without using it. Let's make some magic!

    Mat props: Magic Circle or a ball or your imagination!
    Reformer props: Magic Circle or theraband or ball

    See ya in class,
    xx-LL 💋

    (NOT) THE FALL SEASON

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    As we all get older, your balance may be something you notice declines. I love working on balance because if you’re not present in the moment, or even thinking of something else, you can lose your balance. You can also lose your balance by favoring one side more than the other, whether it’s right/left sides in terms of limbs, or inner and outer edges of the foot that you’re standing on.

    Let's check in with our balance in this week's classes. In fact, we're going to bookend our classes - a balance check at the start of class, and at the end of class - to see how our practice affected our balance.

    No props for the mat or reformer.

    See you in class,
    Christine

    MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

    >> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

    REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

    >> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


    SECOND CHANCES

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    It's easy to default to saying "we have a weaker side" on our body. Instead, think about it as which side of your body needs a little more encouragement or coordination! This week we will focus on becoming aware of which side of your body in the asymmetrical exercises that we do is actually needed another moment - or second chance - at the exercise!

    No props needed.

    See ya in class,
    xx-LL 💋

    UP, UP, & AWAY

    ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

    We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

    Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

    This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

    We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

    Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

    xx-LL