All posts tagged: instructors

A Pilates instructor’s go-to daily stretching routine for staying mobile and pain-free

A Pilates instructor’s go-to daily stretching routine for staying mobile and pain-free

Improving your mobility doesn’t require long workouts or complicated routines. Sometimes a few well-chosen stretches—done consistently—can make all the difference. Someone who’s living proof of this is Jenny White, Pilates instructor and founder of The Kai Life, who uses a 15-minute daily stretching routine to tackle stiffness. “This 15-minute routine is currently my personal go-to for easing daily tension, restoring mobility, and helping people feel more at home in their bodies,” she tells Fit&Well. “It’s accessible to all levels and easy to incorporate into busy days.” You may like Try the simple nine-move routine below for a gentle but effective full-body reset. Each move should be done for the recommended reps before moving straight onto the next exercise. 1. Standing breathing and arm circles Reps: 8-10 How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale as you sweep your arms forward and overhead. Exhale as you circle them back down. Optional: Add gentle neck rolls in between. How it helps: “I always start with breath and posture,” says White. “It reconnects you to …

A Pilates instructor’s five go-to moves for runners—the core and glute work that will keep you injury-free

A Pilates instructor’s five go-to moves for runners—the core and glute work that will keep you injury-free

Pilates can benefit almost anyone, but it can be especially helpful for runners. Adding Pilates to your training regime is a great way to boost running performance as it helps build stronger core and glute muscles—two essential components for strong running. That’s why Pilates instructor Jade Winter has designed a go-to sequence specifically for runners, focusing on strengthening the glutes and stabilizing the core. You may like “As both a former Olympic athlete and the co-founder of Studio Pilates International, I work with countless runners, and one thing is always true: strong glutes and a stable core are the foundation of injury-free, efficient running,” says Winter. If you’re a keen runner looking for new ways to complement your training and recovery, give it a try—you’ll strengthen your core, glutes, and running performance all at once. 1. Pelvic curl single-leg lift Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Studio Pilates) (Image credit: Studio Pilates) Sets: 2 Reps: 8-10 each side Rest: 45sec Lie on your back, knees bent, feet hip-width apart and hands by your sides. Extend one leg …