It’s like that old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Balance is exactly that. It’s a very important tool to sharpen because if not, then like a muscle that’s not moved or exercised, it can and will atrophy.

Everyone can benefit! For starters, it’s good prevention. As we age we are more likely to fall or trip due to a lack of balance. If we practice to challenge our balancing tools, then we can help improve our awareness and develop a heightened sense of ourselves in space, otherwise known as proprioception. Once you are able to tap into those key areas of the body, your connection to this “sixth sense” can be greatly utilized day to day. Simple activities such as walking or riding a bike can have great improvement with better balance.

Pilates is a mind-body conditioning and an excellent way to help build the blocks for better balance. In Pilates mat class we are usually grounded to the floor, stabilizing and strengthening our core muscles while creating movement with our global muscles. This type of concentration creates better alignment and function in the body, which then creates better awareness and balance.

Such Pilates movements include: rolling like a ball, mermaid, side kick kneeling, boomerang, and seal.

For a quick challenge, simply close your eyes while standing, pull the abdominals in tightly, and try to rise onto the toes and hold. Think of lengthening out from the crown of the head. Modify with eyes open or one hand against the wall.

Check out our Balance-focused mat classes in the month of November:

At Studio City:

Tuesday

6:30pm Level 2 Mat class with Nancey

November 12th, 19th

7:30pm Level 1 Mat class with Jerin

November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Wednesday

7pm Level 2 Mat class with Marivi

November  6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

Thursday

7:30pm Level 1 Mat class with Melissa

November 7th

 

At the Annex:

Monday

10:15am Level 2 Mat class with Jerin

November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Friday

9am Level 1 Mat class with Keiko

November 15th

 

At Porter Ranch:

Sunday

12pm Level 2 Mat class with Shay

November 3rd, 17th

Monday

5pm Level 2 Mat class with Jenny

November 11th, 25th

Tuesday

10am Level 1 Mat class with Jenny

November 12th, 26th

5pm Level 2 Mat class with Andrea

November 12th

8pm Level 1 Mat class with Andrea

November 12th

Wednesday

7pm Level 2 Mat class with Mila

November 13th, 20th

Thursday

9am Level 1 Mat class with Jenny

November 7th, 21st