Exercise of the Month- Transitions

One of my favorite aspects of a pilates routine is the transitions between exercises. This month, we'll focus on the transitions that blend one exercise into the next to form a seamless workout.

In addition, we'll also focus on transitioning between exercises on the equipment- changing springs efficiently and properly so not waste time and energy and to keep the work out moving!

And yes, lowering the footbar on the reformer with your feet is a transition that we will ALL hopefully have mastered by the end of the month!

Purpose of Transitions
Like I said, the purpose of smooth transitions between the exercises is to keep the workout moving. Even the space between the exercises is exercise. Transitions also keep you focused on what you're doing, and keep pilates the way Joe intended- an full hour of mindful movement.

Benefits of Transitions
There are three main benefits of transitioning smoothly between exercises. On the equipment, when you move smoothly from one exercise to the next, (including changing springs, lowering the footbar, etc) you are essentially training yourself to workout without the help of an instructor. You are self-sufficent, and you can take the self-sufficent workout with you wherever you go- if you visit another studio, you will know exactly what to do.

Another really great benefit of learning your transitions is that you will advance in the pilates method more quickly. Smooth transitions save time, and you'd be surprised how much time is actually left in the hour when transitions are done correctly. I would say there's about 20 minutes left available from smooth transitions! That's plenty of time to learn new exercises. In fact, you won't only advance by learning new exercises, but transitioning will put you so deep into "the zone" that your mental workout will advance as well.

Examples of Transitions
Some transitions we'll work on this month are....

-Changing springs on the reformer
-Getting on/off the reformer, Long Box, and Chair properly
-Transitions between mat exercises
-Transitions between exercises in the Long Stretch Series
-Lowering the Footbar on the reformer for an efficient workout
-The transition from coming into the studio standing, to laying down, to standing again

Here is a lovely video of the reformer repertoire, complete with transitions: