Abby B. Pilates

👀 Can you guess the name of this Pilates exercise?

Hint: 🪃 It comes back around just like this emoji...

This one’s a spicy combo of strength, control, and flow — and a favorite for those who love a challenge! It definitely requires a lot of integration from the body.

If you’re familiar with these exercises, you’re already on your way:
✨ Teaser
✨ Roll Up
✨ Spine Stretch
✨ Roll Over

They all help prep the body for this dynamic movement!

Drop your guess in the comments and let me know — have you ever tried this one before? 👇

As some of you may know, I come from a dance background—specifically ballet. And if you know ballet, you know the arabesque is a big deal.

I never had the “perfect” arabesque—and it never felt good either. I was constantly told to extend more, but it only led to stiffness and lower back pain.

Then I found Pilates. 💡

Turns out, I was already living in spine extension. What I really needed was more spine flexion to create space for extension.

Since learning this, my arabesque feels better now than it did at 18. Pilates truly changed how I move and how I feel in my body.

It’s not just about doing movement—it’s about enjoying it. ✨

Ready to start your Pilates journey?

Why are Pilates exercises so slow?

�Because there’s so much happening beneath the surface.

When you move slowly, you're not just “working out”—you’re building awareness.

You’re teaching your body to:
�🔸 Stabilize the shoulders�
🔸 Maintain a neutral pelvis�
🔸 Articulate through the spine�
🔸 Connect breath with movement�
🔸 Release tension (yes, even in your jaw!)

This kind of mindful movement takes time.

But here’s the thing:
�💡 The more familiar your body becomes with a movement, the quicker and more efficient it can be.
�That’s why we slow it down first—to build that foundation.

In Pilates, slow doesn’t mean easy. It means intentional. It means connected.
�And it’s where real progress begins. ✨

Why I always include mat work—even in Reformer classes:

Pilates isn’t just something we do in the studio. It’s a practice meant to support your whole life.

By giving you mat exercises that connect to what we’re doing on the Reformer, I’m helping you build confidence, awareness, and strength—anywhere, anytime.

Because movement shouldn’t stop when class ends.

Are you being equipped for success in your Pilates journey?

🔥 Stomach Massage on the Reformer – A Game Changer for Tight Hamstrings & Low Back Pain! 🔥

This exercise is incredible for improving hamstring flexibility, releasing tension in the lower back, and opening up the shoulders. But—it’s also tricky to get just right!

💡 Common Mistakes & Fixes:
❌ Rounding from the shoulders instead of the mid-back → Focus on thoracic flexion while keeping the pelvis neutral.
❌ Tucking the lower spine too much → Your lumbar should stay stable while the upper back moves.
❌ Lifting the legs too high → This usually means tight hamstrings! Try placing your feet on the edge of the platform to help keep your pelvis upright.

🔑 Why This Exercise Works:
✅ Trains spinal mobility & stability at the same time
✅ Helps lengthen the hamstrings
✅ Relieves lower back & shoulder tightness

✨ Want to prep for a smoother Stomach Massage? Try these first:
1️⃣ Assisted Roll Up – Builds core control & spinal articulation
2️⃣ Spine Stretch – Opens the mid-back
3️⃣ Long Stretch (Elephant) on the Reformer – Trains hamstring length + core engagement

Give it a try and let me know how it feels! 💛

How do you find joy in movement?

Is it tagging along with a friend, strolling through the neighborhood, lost in conversation?

Is it waking before the sun, running through the quiet morning air, feeling the world come alive?

Is it laughter on a Friday night, a game, a dance, a moment of play?

Or is it like this—a Pilates mat class under the sun, the breeze carrying me away, my daughter’s laughter echoing beside me, her snuggles grounding me in the present moment?

Movement isn’t confined to a gym. It isn’t just a workout—unless that’s where your joy lives.

Movement is in the simple, everyday moments—the ones that remind us we are alive.

💫 How do you find joy through movement?

🔥 Mastering the Side Plank! 🔥

The hardest part of a side plank isn’t just getting into position—it’s holding it with proper alignment! Let’s break it down step by step:

1️⃣ Start with a Basic Z-Sit with the torso on a diagonal: Focus on scapular alignment—move your shoulder blade around to find the right position.
�2️⃣ Sidelying Leg Work: Keep your torso quiet while moving your leg. Try a sidekick or lift your top arm for a challenge!
�3️⃣ Kneeling Sidekick: Now you're balancing on one hand and knee. Be mindful—your pelvis will want to shift back, so send it forward for proper alignment.

💡 These progressions help you build strength, stability, and control for a stronger side plank. Try them out and let me know how it feels! 💪✨

✨ Stretching for Mobility & Recovery! ✨

Did you know the best time to stretch is after your workout? That’s when your muscles are warm and most capable of releasing.

Here are key areas these stretches target:

🔥 Glutes – Helps with hip mobility & lower back relief
🔥 Hip Flexors – Counters tightness from sitting & improves posture
🔥 Hamstrings – Enhances flexibility & reduces tension in the legs
🔥 Lower & Mid Back – Supports spinal mobility & eases stiffness

Try holding each stretch for at least a few breaths, and notice how your body feels after! Sometimes, just a few extra minutes of stretching can be a game-changer. 🙌

Give it a try and let me know how you feel!
⬇️✨