Would you like to add some fun and variety to your mat Pilates class and enhance your Pilates workout further? Jennie sometimes uses small equipment such as rings, foam rollers, balls, bands and weights which all help to raise body awareness and challenge the body in different ways.
Let’s look at two pieces of equipment used – Pilates Rings (often called Magic Circles) and the Foam Roller.
Pilates Rings
Pilates rings are made of a flexible material which adds different levels of intensity to exercises dependent upon how hard they are squeezed. The resistance can target specific muscles and is ideal for problem areas such as inner and outer thighs, upper arms and the chest but can also work the smaller muscles we often don’t think about. Because the ring provides extra resistance it works your core harder and improves your stability that much more. Pilates rings also assist in stretches enabling you to stretch further and increase your flexibility. They can also help with your technique helping you to maintain correct form.
Foam Rollers
A foam roller is usually cylinder-shaped and made of dense foam
Foam rollers can be used for both exercises and rolling to massage the body.
Jennie favours using long foam rollers in her classes as these can be used for a wider range of exercises and work particularly well for the back because they are long enough to span your entire back when placed perpendicular to your spine. They are also more stable than shorter rollers when working quads, hamstrings and other body parts. They enhance balance, alignment awareness and provide dynamic strengthening.
Foam rolling is a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique. It can help relieve muscle knots, soreness and inflammation. It can also increase your range of motion, flexibility and mobility whilst boosting circulation and lymphatic flow. It’s also claimed to help with cellulite as it can break down the fascia (the body’s connective tissue) giving you a smoother appearance of the fat underneath your skin.