March MATness – The Push-Up

Push-Ups are a great and effective way to strengthen the upper body. The important thing to remember is to keep the full body connection.  Body is in a strong straight line from the head to heels. Arms are a little wider than shoulder width apart with the entire palm and all ten fingers actively pressing…

Read More

March MATness – Seal

The Seal is another rolling exercise similar to rolling like a ball and the open leg rocker. Difference is you are adding in the clap of the legs to start the roll back and while you are balancing. Start by just adding the clap at the beginning of the exercise if needed. Try to initiate and…

Read More

March MATness – Kneeling Side Kick

Side Kick Kneeling is similar to the side kick series we performed earlier but you are kneeling. This will be more challenging for your core stabilizers. Still focus on creating as much length in the thigh as possible and keep the waist long and lifted! Side Kick Kneeling Kneel in the center of your mat…

Read More

March MATness – The Mop Series

The Mop Series is an excellent chest opening exercise. We thank Benjamin Degenhardt for teaching us this series that has helped many of our clients perfect their chest expansion! As you are moving through this series, image the poles are attached to springs for additional resistance. This is a great addition to the mat work…

Read More

March MATness – Leg Pull

The LegPull is basically the reverse of the Leg Pull Front. Once again, focus on finding and maintaining the ‘full body’ connection through out the movement. Holding the position and focusing on your breath and stability is a great option to build strength if you are not quite ready to add in the leg lifts!…

Read More

March MATness – Leg Pull Front

Leg pull front begins in a straight-arm plank position…….. think push up. When you are in the straight-arm plank you should feel every muscle in your body working to support the position and movement. Maintain proper alignment of the head and spine. Actively press your arms, palms and all ten fingers into the mat. The…

Read More

March MATness – Swimming

Swimming is a common exercise that you have probably done or seen in any fitness class.  Swimming is a contralateral movement and therefore a challenging exercise when executed properly.  Focus on maintaining a long lower back and putting more of the work into the upper back. The deeper you lengthen and put the work into…

Read More

March MATness – Hip Twist

From the teaser we move right into the hip twist. Your in the hip twist is to keep everything from the waist up stable as the legs are circling. Also, focus on keeping the chest lifted. The hip twist is a great way to stretch the lower back. Hip Twist  From your teaser position, extend…

Read More

March MATness – Teaser

Teaser Sit tall with your legs longs, thighs squeezing together arms lengthening long by your side With control, bring the weight of the head forward, pull the abs in and begin to roll back as you continue to squeeze your thighs together tight With control through your center and the curling of the pelvis lift…

Read More

March MATness – Saw

It’s hard to believe we are almost half way through March MATness! By now you have hopefully developed and devoted yourself to a daily practice of moving well. Today we are doing Spine Twist, which is similar to the rotational twist in Saw, except that your legs stay glued together. A great tool to keep…

Read More