Pilates shoulder bridges are a great exercise to include as a part of your routines. They’re great for the glutes and hamstrings In this video, I’ll be breaking down this exercise and discussing ways to progress the movement.
Pilates shoulder bridges can be done with a mix of variations, including kicks. They are routinely a part of a mat Pilates class and offer a mix of benefits for the body. When performing Pilates shoulder bridges, starting with a pelvic tilt plays a part in articulating the spine off the mat. However, you can also use a hinge to lift the hips off the ground. Some things to think about as you work through the bridges include:
- Keep the feet firmly rooted down on the ground.
- Engage the inner thighs so the legs remain in their parallel alignment.
- Think about creating a long line from the shoulders to the knees.
- Keep the hips even when lifting one leg off the ground.
- Begin with Marching Bridges or simply static holds on leg before progressing to full kicks, if need be.
Another thing to consider is keeping your core engaged. With this movement, it’s easy to become solely focused on the lower body work. However, your core very much plays a part in the correct performance of Pilates shoulder bridges. Ensure that it is working throughout the movement to continue supporting the spine and keeping you steady.
As you keep practicing these moves, you’ll notice an improvement in your strength, stability, and control. Share in the comments below how this works out for you!
