u/kimmeljs

I have really focused on form this spring. I have been mainly going to an easy mat class but whenever it's too easy, I choose the harder variations of poses. When I couldn't make my regular class, I went to a "strength pilates" class instead and the instructor gave me more detailed cues that helped me engage my lower, transversal abs better.

I felt a bit bloated yesterday with some stomach gas and looked at myself, and I noticed that my belly was hanging a bit above my lower abs, and when I felt that area, it was super tight and muscular.

I call that progress, I never felt this before. Now that class is over for the summer, I plan to do a routine on my own. And I am transferring to the strength pilates group for the next season.

I have been asking for advice here on getting to do the roll-up right. I needed to take hold of my thighs to get fully over the hurdle and get upright. I have worked on doing roll-downs and pelvis bridges so that I concentrate on the one vertebra at a time but no luck. Until in my last class, we used a ring as a prop. Holding the ring forward and pulling up. I suddenly could do it. My goal for this spring was accomplished! I still have some chronic tightness in my lower back. I hope I can work on this during the summer.