My client asked this morning as we we're doing our Zoom class, "Are we doing Spine Stretch Forward against the couch?" "No", I said, "but if you feel you need it, by all means, do it! It's a tool in your tool box that you can take anytime you need." It just so happens that my 7am diehards all workout in a room with a couch, so I use it to their advantage. (Insert playful smile face).

Depending on someone's body, and how the day is treating them, I like to use different "tools" for an exercise. I'm using the term "tool", but it doesn't actually refer to a physical object outside of your body. Sometimes it can, and sometimes it's just a different way to hold your body. Sometimes it's just a modification for an exercise.

Not everyone is going to do every exercise like they've been practicing Pilates for 20 years. Even people who have practiced for 20 years do not necessarily look like they are polished. It depends on the individual and their practice. (You know, just like "real life"). So, there are general modifications for exercises, and the things teachers make up depending on what the body in front of them is doing. "Here, dear, you need to do this!" It's partly to get you into your body, and partly to teach you where to look and learn your body. Some people will always use these modifications or tools. Some people will only use them until they understand their body and are interested in the next lesson.

"Assisted Teaser" was a huge modification that we learned in the program. Ahh, yes, the ominous "Teaser". (You can hear the Twilight Zone theme in the background.) It's usually done in a Private session with a teacher, where the clients legs rest on the teacher, and the teacher holds the forearms of the client to help them role up and down. The goal is that you will be able to hold your legs on your own. Again, for some people, they will only ever do an Assisted Teaser, and that's what their body needs! Some people will use it briefly, or on a day their body needs the help. It's a great modification that I like to teach in class against a wall, or in Zoom classes, with whatever is in plain sight that would fit. Sometimes I have clients use their couch. An ottoman would work. Even a stack of books! The great thing when you learn a modification, you can be creative! My client who asked the question this morning, sometimes asks her husband hold her feet!

Modifications help our bodies "do" the exercise. They can be used forever, or you can put it in your Tool Box and take it out when needed. Again, it depends where you body is that day. Maybe you woke up after sleeping with the window open, and you have a crick in your neck. Or, life stress like taking care of a loved one has you emotionally and mentally exhausted. You have to do what your body needs. It's not always about doing the "Advanced" work. Some people get so caught up in that idea, and I've seen people hurt themselves when it's not necessary. I'm not saying to disregard a challenge. Sometimes trying something harder or more advanced is wonderful! I'm saying, get in touch with your body and your needs and access your workout.

You can also use "tools", or external props to put you in the correct placement. It's why we use the Universal Reformer and it's where most Private clients start. It puts your body in place without much thought or effort. It's starts the process of teaching your body, regardless of your awareness. The Reformer, or any apparatus is a prop to teach you resistance in your body. It's their to help! That's why Mat work is the core and hardest work, as you have to create the resistance on your own.

"Tools" can consist of thera bands, ropes, yoga blocks. I like to roll up the Mexican blankets that are commonly used in yoga to create a "Barrel" in a Mat class. (There are three apparatus in Pilates that are called Barrels, and they are round like a barrel, hence the name). Again, you can get creative and use anything that's sturdy and the correct size. I often suggest a wall to do Spine Stretch Forward. It will let you clearly know what vertebrae you are articulating!

I hope this blog has helped you or a friend! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the "comment" section below! This is a friendly, loving site and a place for everyone to learn, including myself! Thank you for refraining from negativity and arguments. This is not the site for such grievances.

Love, Light and Blessings,

Julia