17/09/2026
Stabillity September - week three
Movement + Balance
And we are changing things up a little from the static balance work we've done in the past and adding in a little spice with some (entirely optional) small hand weights.
Through the last 20yrs of Pilates practice, I've learnt that there are three key elements you need to hold balance and stability in a pose...
1) Core stability - the most fundamental (boring, but you'd have been disappointed if I hadn't mentioned it! 😂) the foundation of all of our movement
2) Focus - avoiding distraction (internal or external) and often focusing our attention on a fixed point out in front of us or internally on a single thought
3) Inner calm - it may surprise you, but good balance is NOT about too much tension in the muscles and instead a steady calm breath is needed, to reassure our nervous system that everything is okay. Think of a tree that is able to gently bend and move without being too rigid.
This third point is particularly relevant when we balance on one leg... and what we've found in class is that adding a little gentle movement can often enhance our ability to balance; our brain stops reading every wobble and micro-movement as a reason to panic and our nervous system softens its response a little.
The weights can be omitted entirely from these moves if you're a beginner, or added in for a little more challenge.
Disclaimer - These moves involve a degree of challenge and whilst they are generally safe and comfortable for most people, they do not take the place of your existing medical advice. For any undiagnosed or new pain, or following an injury, please do seek advice from your GP or physical therapist, before undertaking new exercises.
