| This week we thought we’d take a look at ‘Inverted V’ – one of the exercises in our new Find your Flow® program.
In tune with much of the current themed program, this movement is aimed, primarily, at hip mobility. Although we’re using the reformer, you’ll see from the picture above that we begin to learn the movement with our feet solidly on the floor. We do this so that our bodies can get used to what we’re asking of them before adding the challenge of the moving reformer – that’s about finding form before flow.
We’ll move between the plank position (body in a straight line) and the V position, sending our hips high, using muscles in the shoulders, legs and core for stability. We’ll also be using our toes to help us roll in and out of the movement.
When we’re comfortable in the movement, we can add the additional challenge of standing on the reformer and sliding the carriage out and in as we flow through the movement. Here, we’ll be challenging our balance centres, including our proprioceptive (sensory nervous) system.
So, what are the benefits in our everyday life?
Improving our hip stability and mobility will help keep us upright to maintain good posture. It will help to relieve lower back pain – when our hips are tight, we tend to pull on muscles in the lower back for support.
As it’s a full body movement, we’ll be toning and strengthening muscle groups throughout the body. When flowing through the movement, we’ll also find our heart rate increasing, as we improve our stamina and overall fitness.
We don’t need a reformer for this movement, so it’s a great one to practise at home! While we get used to it, we may want to place our hands on the seat of a chair. As we improve we can place our hands closer to, or on, the floor to increase the challenge.
Why not give it a go and let us know how you get on – we’d love to have your feedback! |
