- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Spine Corrector (I love using the Contrology Spine Corrector.)
- Reps: 2-3 cycles of breathing
- Warning: May not be suitable for some lower back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Swimming on the Spine Corrector
Swimming on the Pilates Spine Corrector may be my favorite place to swim! Ok, maybe I am a glutton for punishment. This is not the easiest place to do Swimming but it really does help you figure out what Swimming on the Mat really requires. If you had a chance to practice your Swan on the Spine Corrector, then you know your setup. If you haven’t yet, check it out here. A little warning – it took me some time to really learn how to swim without falling out of this exercise. It may take you a few times to find your balance and work on this exercise. Take your time. Once you get it then you will really be able to strengthen your Swimming.
It’s easy to reach one arm and its leg down but instead, swim UP!
Lay on top of the barrel with our head away from the step. You can put your belly button a little in front of the apex of the barrel to start. Before getting up into your Swimming position first try to lift both legs up. If you can then stay there if it is too hard slide forward a little. Once you find a spot where you can hold your legs up then try to reach one arm forward and then the other arm forward until you can hold your body in this Superman position. You may just hold this for a while until you’re strong enough to balance and move your arms and legs.
When you’re ready begin to swim, opposite arm and leg lift up and then switch, repeat 5-10 times each side. Keep in mind that you are trying to maintain a very still center. On the mat when we learn Swimming it’s easy to rock side to side. But, on the Spine Corrector, you have to hold your center still while you move your arms and legs. That’s why the Spine Corrector is so great at helping you work on your Swimming exercise. Another tip, swim UP! It’s easy to reach one arm and its opposite leg down but instead, reach one arm and leg out as the other arm and leg reach Up!
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Spine Corrector exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Spine Corrector training!