Sculpt Pilates Plus SPX

[ Sculpt Pilates Plus SPX in Solana Beach ]

[ Ashley Pelton in teaser/side plank]

I can always count on Sculpt Pilates Plus SPX in Solana Beach to push my fitness limits in a quick, timely manner [ their classes are forty minutes ]. One of the gorgeous instructors, Ashley, was sweet enough to demonstrate & explain some of their most popular moves [ see below ]. I adore this workout because rather than bulking the muscles, it lengthens & leans them. Some of the diverse exercises also include: the Mermaid Crunch, Bungee & the 5th Lunge [ sounds tricky? I am still sore & it’s three days later ].

[ Using my core to pull my legs in & out in ‘the catfish’ position ]

[ Super crunches ]

[ Up close of the reformer ]

[ Ashley & Ian strengthening their arms & posture in ‘hug-a-tree’ ]

 

Reformer Exercises: 

1.) Teaser/Side Plank – This is when there is movement of the machine back and forth with the legs. Using the obliques to control the motion is a the perfect way to dig into that part of the body.

2.) Catfish: Stay high on the tippy toes while pulling in through the lower part of the core. Stay light on both the hands & feet and put all the tension and work into the abdominals [ the deeper the better ].

3.) Super Crunches: These are an awesome way to hit the entire core. Pull in with the lower core by dragging the carriage & pulling the knees against the spring resistance while controlling the upper body movement.

4.) Hug-A-Tree: Shoulders, chest, biceps, core… so many things working during one exercise. The machine makes it incredibly easy to accommodate every fitness level and goal. Sculpt’s instructors always say: “we like to say that we can have a 70- year old working out next to a 20-year old triathlete in the same class, & because of our ability to adjust the spring load, they will both get a great workout!”

+ Special thanks to Ashley, Ian & the Sculpt team!