Benefits of Pelvic Tilts

Is there really a connection between pelvic tilts, sensual dance, and sexual response? While it may not sound like they all tie together, there is some correlation. In this video I wanted to discuss the benefits of pelvic tilts and how they can improve other areas of our life. Specifically, we’ll look at how our sensual dance moves and sexual experiences are impacted.

The pelvic tilt is a movement that is often done at the start of a Pilates class to help with connecting to the pelvic region and maintaining pelvic stability. It’s a small movement, but the benefits of pelvic tilts can go a long way. Practicing the movement requires that we engage the muscles of our core. Specifically, the transverse abdominis (the innermost layer of the core), and muscles within our back. Training these muscles to work as a unit allows us to have better control of our posture, improved stability, and enhanced performance of exercise.

We can also tie this into our sensual dance practice. Hip sways are a common move that I like to put into my dance flows. When performed correctly, we should feel the core muscles playing a role in the swing and gliding of our hips. Variations of pelvic tilts where you make subtle movements from left to right and in clockwise or counterclockwise directions can directly translate into these dances and help for them to feel more natural.

To add, the benefits of pelvic tilts can also tie into our sexual experiences. The pelvic floor is an interwoven connection of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels that support our pelvic organs. For women, it plays a large role in several functions, including continence, pregnancy, and sexual sensation. When our pelvic floor is healthy, it can help improve the overall outcome, and pelvic tilts are one way to work this area.

In the video, we’ll talk more about these different areas and explore a few movements and breathing techniques that you can use to get started. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Full Body Stretch – Yoga-Inspired

There is never a wrong time for a full body stretch. It can be great to mix in after a workout, before bed, or first thing in the morning. Sometimes, the mind just needs a mental break. This stretch session was Yoga-inspired. While it’s not an actual yoga flow, I’ll be incorporating stretches and poses that are often seen in yoga routines.

This flow starts with us standing before moving down onto the mat. If you tend experience tightness in the lower back and hamstrings, I suggest keeping some cushions or yoga blocks nearby. This may help if you feel limited when we’re in seated, kneeling, and reclined positions.

As we’re moving through, I’ll make sure to regularly mention when to breathe. The right breathing during stretching routines can help with easing further (and more comfortably) into your positions. Often times, we may not even realize that we’re holding our breath during movement. This is especially true when stretching if we’re feeling tightness. So remember to breeeaathhhe :-).

This yoga-inspired full body stretch is only 12 minutes long so squeeze it in whenever necessary. Let me know in the comments below how it turns out for you. Also, if you’re looking to improve your flexibility, check out this video where I share some tips on things that can help. Thanks for watching!

Quick-Pace Sensual Dance Tutorial

Hey you! I’m excited to share a new tutorial. This is a beginner-level quick-pace sensual dance, and we’ll be standing for the full routine. Let’s get into it!

This choreography is perfect for those who want to build on top their current learning. Many of the tutorials that I’ve posted in the past have had a slower pace. This one has a few moments where we speed it up a tad. So, if you’ve been wanting to try a slightly faster flow, then this one is perfect. You’ll have faster moments and some time to slow it down as well. Since we won’t be going down onto the floor, you won’t need any high socks. As usual, I won’t have any heels on, but definitely feel free to throw on a pair if you’d like to add that your experience.

There will also be a couple points in the routine where you can personalize it. Allow yourself to make it your own and see what your body naturally gravitates towards. I find that this enhances the learning process and makes it more fun.

Let me know in the comments below how this quick-pace sensual dance tutorial goes for you! And if you’d like to try some slower pace flows, check this one out. Thanks for dancing with me! 🙂

Gentle Tone and Stretch – Under 13 Minutes

This gentle tone and stretch routine was a perfect way to start the day. After recently returning from vacation, I wanted to do something slower but still effective. I brought weights and bands with one idea in mind, but this turned out to be a much better one.

As we move through this flow, you’ll notice that we’re moving a bit slower and taking breaks to stretch throughout. Use this time to tune in to what how your body is feeling. Notice if you have a rhythm to your breathing. Things like this help with control and allow us to get the most out of our workout.

No equipment is needed – just a mat and some space. This routine is also on the shorter side. Since it lasts a little over 13 minutes, it’s perfect to squeeze in first thing in the morning or at the end of a workout. Feel free to modify or adjust the moves as needed, based on your fitness level.

Let me know in the comments below how you like this Gentle Tone and Stretch routine!

 

Prepping the Body for Birth!

One topic that I love learning and talking about is perinatal wellness. Our preconception, prenatal, and postpartum chapters are such special times. It’s important that we as women prioritize our physical, mental and emotional well-being. In this video, we’re going to cover some ways to do that as we discuss prepping the body for birth.

There are so many effective ways to help prepare the mind and body for baby’s arrival. The better we’re able to care for ourselves during this time of change, the better we’ll be able to adjust to this ever-evolving experience. I also think it’s helpful to approach this from a holistic standpoint. Taking the time to assess if we’re caring for the whole person and not just one part is key.

In this video, we’ll look at a few ways that we can care for our physical, mental, and emotional self. And this list could go on! Listening to birth stories and exploring the birth-work field has been amazing. You’re able to hear of different experiences and learn about valued and upheld practices. You also can build a support system that can be there to nurture you along your journey.

Below are the topics we touch on when exploring ways of prepping the body for birth:

  • Practice breathwork.
  • Move your body.
  • Incorporate pelvic floor work.
  • Rest when you need it.
  • Eat nutritious food. 
  • Maintain a mindset of ease.

Let me know in the comments below what you would add to the list!

 

Pilates Sculpt & Flow

Let’s jump into this Pilates Sculpt and Flow routine! In this video, I incorporate a mix of props to help us get a gentle yet effective and challenging workout. Keep reading to find out what we’ll be using, how to modify, and tips for success!

This workout is perfect if you’re someone who likes to use props in your Pilates routines. While they aren’t needed, it’s a nice way to add a bit of variety. In this video I’ll be using 1lb dumbbells, a loop/booty band, and a magic circle. You can choose to slightly adjust the resistance of your props based on your current goals. Also, if you don’t have a magic circle, it’s no biggie. I use it for only one exercise in the video, so feel free to sub with a resistance band, towel, etc.

If you’re newer to Pilates or continuing to build your practice, use this video as another way to keep connecting to your body. Modifying movements is always okay. Remember to keep your breath flowing throughout the routine. Use it to help you through the movements. Breathe deep into the below so that you’re able to get the most out of each inhale and exhale.

If you enjoy this Pilates Sculpt and Flow routine, leave me a comment below. For more videos, make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Beginner Standing Sensual Movements!

When dancing and learning new movements, I love coming up with floor combos. Someone asked about standing movements, so I decided to showcase some of my favorites. In this video, we’re going over six beginner standing sensual movements. 

The six moves that I share in this video are:

  • Sensual walks
  • Low dips
  • Leg slide/dip
  • Wide-stance dip w/ head turn
  • Hip swivel
  • Shoulder movements

I chose these beginner standing sensual movements because they are easy to learn and leave room for variations and personal touch. These moves (or come form of them) often find their way into my choreos. I really love how they feel and how they look when piecing things together.

After breaking down all six beginner standing sensual movements, I piece them together in a short choreography following the same order in which we learned them. I highly suggest taking the routine and pairing it toa song of your choice. And mix it the moves! Maybe try them in a different order, add in different variations, and make the routine your own. That’s another great way to keep learning and getting better.

Let me know in the comments below how this goes for you. If you’d like to try some floorwork, check out this beginner-level floor routine. For more routines, visit my YouTube channel!

Tips to Help Improve Flexibility

We’ve all said it at some point – “I need to stretch more!” By the time we’re done with our workout, we’re ready to GO (lol). But regularly incorporating our stretches is so helpful for our physical well-being. In this video, I share some helpful tips on how to improve flexibility.

Flexibility training is just as important as our cardio and strength training. It helps for us to move more comfortably through our exercises, to reduce the risk of injury, to increase our range of motion, among many other benefits. If you’re looking to make stretching a part of your well-rounded fitness regimen, then this is a video you may find helpful.

As we talk about ways to improve flexibility, we’ll go over things like:

  • Creating a schedule.
  • Knowing when to reduce the stretch.
  • Incorporating props.
  • Connecting to your breath.

Plus a few more things! I may be biased, but I believe stretching can be fun and easily fit into our schedules! 🙂 Let me know in the comments below if these tips help you out along your journey.

Sensual Flow & Release

Let’s move through this guided sensual flow and release. This routine is a gentle stretch that will allow for you to let go of tension in the body while connecting more to your physical self.

Taking the time out to listen to my body and move into the stretches it guides me towards has been such a valuable part of my wellness journey. I often find myself using that to help wind me down before bed or incorporating it into a ‘self-care Saturday’ night at home.

 As you move through this sensual flow and release, think about being present in the moment. Notice how the stretches feel. See if there are areas of the body where you are holding on to more tension. Pay attention to any thoughts that may come up for you as you go through the movements. Sometimes we’re on the go so much that we don’t get a chance to check in to these parts of ourselves. 

Allow yourself to move comfortably, and make an effort to not push past pain or discomfort.  Let me know how this goes for you in the comments below!

Improve Body Awareness

Being aware of where we are in space and what our body is doing is important. Think about when we are being physically active or learning new movements or choreography. Consider when we’re just trying to identify what we feel in our bodies. Having and being able to improve body awareness is key in all of this.

In Pilates, 2nd Edition, author Rael Isacowitz says, “bringing awareness to the body and the intricacies of movement establishes the foundation for change” (Isacowitz, 2014). I think this explanation is perfect when it comes to describing why body awareness is vital. It assists us in gaining more control and stability, improves our mind-body connection, enhances our path to wellness, and alerts us when things are off.

Knowing, feeling, and understanding what the body is doing begins with shifting our focus and concentration to the areas that are sending us signals. In this video, I share more about the ways in which we can improve body awareness. Afterwards, we’ll move through a body scan exercise. This is another technique that can assess what’s happening in the body. It’s also a great relaxation and meditation practice.

Let me know other ways you’ve improved body awareness in the comments below!