An upper body that can bend easily yet is strong enough to sustain those long hours at the desk or glued to the phone is the aim of our Pilates practice. Moreover, as we get excited to do things we could not do, we feel the power that was missing in ourselves. Drum roll…. that’s the whole point – to continue to have the power to do everything you flippin’ want to.

But before you do 100 pushups, let me explain all the components that need to be in place first. 

All the upper body muscles, which is a lot, need to fire up. Now, because the upper body also includes the neck, head, and upper spine, those muscles must also be a part of the upper body regime. 

I hate to break it to you, but that’s why you need to breathe; yes, this is non-negotiable when you’re building upper spine and upper body strength because when you breathe and engage your abs, you work your upper body more powerfully. If you suspect you’re tight in those areas and it is impairing your breathing, then I have the solution for you with the Spine Corrector. But don’t worry if you don’t have the accessory – a bolster will do just fine. Check out the link below. 

I want to give you only two things to implement in your workout this week:

• Once you’ve done your thoracic spine release, before you do your mat work, come back to a standing position and feel yourself growing through the crown of the head as you inhale and expand your chest. 
• When you raise your arms above your head, expand your chest and ribs as big as a balloon.

Xo