Your brain is like a muscle that needs to be worked in order to stay sharp. Today try using your non-dominant hand to complete simple (or seemingly simple) tasks. Brush your teeth, use your mouse at work, pour your coffee, cut your food–try doing all of these jobs with the hand you are least comfortable using.

It will be exercise for your mind and body.

In his book Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology, Joseph Pilates explains his intentions behind his exercises and what he believes constitutes a healthy lifestyle. In one sections he specifically discusses exercises like the Full Roll Up, Teaser, and Rolling-Like-A-Ball. He refers the them as the “rolling” and “unrolling” exercises. He mentions that anytime we move from a seated to a lying position we should move ourselves using rolling movements, lifting of lowering one vertebra at a time.

Oh, and, of course, in the process of moving we should inhale and exhale to the full capacity of our lungs–not an easy task. But it should make you feel good that Joseph Pilates knew his exercises were no cake-walk. He wrote, “This admittedly requires persistence and earnest effort but it is worth it!”

And don’t all things that are worth it take some persistence and effort? The effects–an aligned spine, a strong yet flexible core, a full range of motion in the body, and the ability to fuel your body with oxygen–are all important tools Pilates requires us to stop and think about. It’s their importance that makes them worth a little […]