Abu Dhabi Week stands a little taller when testing out posture-improving exercises
The power of Pilates
Like many other nine-to-fivers a large part of our day is spent sitting at a desk working on a computer, so we have to be mindful of how we sit and take regular breaks in order to avoid back pain.
Still aches and pains do occur, which is why we have sought out Pilates as a preventative measure and treatment for back pain. Actually it was injuries sustained in an accident that first prompted Bodytree’s Pilates teacher Maria Tamer to try the exercise.
“Pilates helped me to overcome my injuries. I found that it worked miracles not just for me but for many others,” Tamer said. “It teaches you stay active around any trauma.”
“This exercise strengthens the muscles that support your spine, therefore it helps your joints to be aligned and your muscles to work in a balanced way. This reduces the likelihood of injury. Pain is often caused by not using both sides of the body equally,” she added.
Pilates is a total body conditioning exercise that is said to improve muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. It puts an emphasis on correct posture to balance muscular strength in all areas of the body.
The five principles of Pilates include breathing, pelvic placement, rib cage placement, shoulder blade movement, head and cervical spine (neck) placement.
Tried and tested
We took the pre-Pilates mat classes and pre-Pilates reformer session, both suitable for beginners.
The pre-Pilates mat classes were an introduction to the basic principals of Pilates and we were taught a series of basic moves, for example the ‘One Leg Circle,’ which involved lying flat on our back with one leg bent while we made circles in the air using our other leg – a lot harder than it sounds.
We giggled our way through the ‘Rolling Like a Ball’ exercise; for this move we hugged our legs just under our knees and literally rolled forwards and backwards, and then groaned our way through the ‘Single Leg Stretch,’ this involved holding our leg midair, we felt the burn on our lower abdomen section within seconds.
The Pre-Pilates Reformer classes were an introduction to resistance equipment. The main equipment is basically a bed with a moveable midsection, known as the carriage, attached to resistance springs.
This allows for a huge variety of exercises, working against the resistance. One beginners’ move involved lying on our back with our legs bent and our feet placed on the bar. We straightened out our legs in a controlled movement and caused the carriage to slide backwards, working our core and legs equally.
We tried out too many other moves to mention, so if you are interested in finding out more visit: www.bodytreestudio.com
Stands and sand
Looking for a way to strengthen our posture, while enjoying the great outdoors, we decided to give beach yoga a try.
Teaching yoga at the Corniche beach, our instructor Xia Tyson explains, “Practising yoga outdoors, especially on the beach, is truly pleasant. The fresh air, gentle breeze and sound of sea waves, all enhance the practice – as when we are surrounded by the beauty of nature, we tend to be calm, making the connection between our body and mind through conscious breathing easier and deeper, resulting in a unique and memorable yoga practice.”
The class is hosted on the decking above the beach, so there is no chance for sand in our eyes, but we are still in a position to feel the breeze. As the sky darkens and twinkling candles flicker softly, we begin our vinyasas or cycles of movements and poses. Working on our arms, we focus our eyes on the waves lapping on the shore before us and find ourselves completely relaxing.
Holding acrobatic positions while breathing in and out, we find ourselves working up a serious sweat. Tyson provides students with variations to suit everyone’s capabilities, but is ready with encouragement if students try advanced moves.
With around 20 other yogi devotees joining this Raw-Yoga session, we can immediately see the appeal of this outdoor exercise. Not only is it physically challenging but also mentally refreshing. Billed as “a way of life”, we come away from the session energised, centred and collected. A perfect mid-week pick-me-up!
For more information visit: www.meetup.com/Raw-Yoga
