by Eliza Sterling

Boost your mood and rejuvenate your mind by integrating these potent classic Pilates moves into your fitness routine. Exercise undoubtedly acts as an elixir for our minds, but Pilates, with its mind-body alignment principles, has a unique capacity to soothe your emotions. Established by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, this exercise system promotes strength and flexibility throughout the body.

Marcy Jewel, a renowned Pilates trainer and founder of Jewel Pilates, advocates for Pilates as a mindful technique that demands present awareness for its effective execution. The endorphin release and the transitional moves harmoniously work together to calm the mind and elevate mood.

Pilates variations are now widely practiced, from mat-based approaches to reformer classes, each incorporating elements of traditional Pilates. Yet, Classical Pilates, often referred to as Contrology, remains relatively unexplored despite its authenticity. Marcy Jewel, with her high-profile clientele including renowned celebrities like Kelly Brook and Jools Oliver, has taken up the mission to propagate the original principles of Joseph Pilates.

Pilates equipment like Wunda chairs, barrels, and Cadillac are used to address different muscle groups and accelerate results in Marcy’s Pilates classes. Jewel recommends the following five classical, mood-enhancing Pilates moves for those eager to embrace the original Pilates methodology at home.

Five Classical Pilates Moves to Lift Your Mood

1. Single-leg Stretch

This move is a fantastic warm-up exercise. It engages your lower abs and strengthens your center – the main aim of this exercise. Here’s how to do it:

• Start in a supine position with bent knees.
• Simultaneously pull one leg to your chest and extend the other at 45 degrees or higher if needed to maintain a grounded back.
• Switch legs, feeling your abs pull away from your thigh for a deeper engagement.
• Perform 5-10 sets.

2. Criss Cross

This move targets your entire torso, stamina, and flexibility. Here’s how to execute this warping move:

• Lie on your back, bend your knees and hips to 90 degrees, and place your hands behind your head.
• Extend one leg out and rotate your upper body. Look back at the elbow of the arm opposite to the extended leg.
• Alternate sides, holding each for 3-5 seconds. Do 5-10 sets.

3. Swan Prep

This posture corrector helps to release tightness in the chest, which is beneficial for people with anxiety. Here’s how to do this move:

• Lie prone, placing your hands under your shoulders with elbows close to your body.
• Inhale and lift your head and chest off the floor while bracing your abdominals.
• Slowly lower your body back down while exhaling deeply. Do 3-5 reps.

4. Mermaid

This move elongates the side of the body and improves arm, shoulder, and torso strength. Here’s how to perform this move:

• Sit on your hip, bend your knees, and hold your ankles with the corresponding hand.
• Inhale and extend the other arm overhead and then exhale as you bend your body to the side.
• Return to the starting position and alternate sides. Do 3 reps on each side.

5. The Pilates Teaser

This move requires strength and control and works your abs, back muscles, and glutes. Here’s how to do this exercise:

• Lie on your back with your legs extended at a 45-degree angle.
• Inhale while forming a V shape at your hips, keeping your legs stable.
• Lower your body while exhaling, making sure the spine is fully stretched.
• Do 2-3 reps.

Integrating these moves into your daily routine will undoubtedly provide an invigorating boost to both your physical and mental wellbeing. Pave the way to a healthier lifestyle while keeping stress and mood swings at bay!

Classical Pilates, Contrology, Joseph Pilates, Marcy Jewel, Pilates moves, mind and mood boost, Single-leg Stretch, Criss Cross, Swan Prep, Mermaid, Pilates Teaser, core strengthening