- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Spine Corrector (I love using the Contrology Spine Corrector.)
- Reps: 3-5
- Warning: May not be suitable for neck.
- Questions: Contact us here
Jackknife on the Spine Corrector
Practice your overhead Pilates exercises like Jackknife using your Pilates Spine Corrector to get strength in your upper back and length in your neck. In Pilates, there is something called a “two-way” stretch. One direction is your “down stretch” and the other is your “up stretch.” This one is really tricky to get in general and even harder when you are doing overhead exercises. All that weight can easily get caught in your neck and shoulders. By using the Spine Corrector it allows you to ground through your shoulder girdle and press your head in for proprioception.
The over and up is fast. But don’t sacrifice the over for the up.
Laying on your back with your head to the barrel (hump side) place your hands on the handles and gaze up to the ceiling. The barrel is touching your head but not pulling into it. That will compress your neck. Shoulders and collarbones are wide. Legs are long and hugging together, heels together and toes apart. Legs can be on the mat or up to the ceiling to start.
Lift your legs and your hips as you reach your legs parallel to the floor and hump of the barrel. Then reaching your shoulders wide lift your legs up to the ceiling. Aim for feet over hips. Maintaining your toes over your eyes roll your waist down and then once your hips land reach your legs long and repeat.
If going well try it out on the mat.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Spine Corrector exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Spine Corrector training!