{"id":11658,"date":"2024-04-17T05:46:25","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T05:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fitpro.com\/blog\/?p=11658"},"modified":"2024-04-17T05:46:25","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T05:46:25","slug":"vipr-for-teaching-spinal-shapes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitpro.com\/blog\/vipr-for-teaching-spinal-shapes\/","title":{"rendered":"ViPR for teaching spinal shapes\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stephanie Glickman uses ViPR in Pilates sessions for teaching spinal shapes. Here, she shares how it\u2019s done.<\/h2>\n

Flexion, extension, rotation, side flexion \u2026 these are the four movements of the spine. Each one has a unique shape. Being able to effectively cue and teach these movement patterns \u2013 and combinations of them \u2013 is a big part of our job as Pilates instructors and movement educators.<\/p>\n

One of our most efficient ways to cue movement patterns is external cues, which draw focus outside of the body to external surfaces, rhythms and objects. Props are some of the best external cues \u2013 it\u2019s no wonder we Pilates instructors love our multitude of props!\u00a0And what better prop than ViPR!<\/p>\n

ViPR\u2019s hand hold allows connections into the scapular\/posterior chain to help guide the spinal shapes. Its round surface is conducive to rolling and moving into the spinal shapes.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at each of the four spinal shapes and how ViPR assists and informs our clients\u2019 ability to physically understand and execute them.<\/p>\n

Spinal flexion\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pilates examples: Roll Downs, Roll Ups, Pelvic Curl into Hip Bridge, Cat Stretch Round Back, Spine Stretch, Roll Like a Ball<\/em><\/p>\n

In spinal flexion, the scapulae protract (stretch apart from each other and around the side of the ribs), as the lower ribs pull backwards and upwards.<\/p>\n

Hold ViPR in a neutral grip. Cue client to\u00a0\u201cpush ViPR away from you\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0\u201cpush ViPR forward\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>to create the protraction of the scapulae that helps the ribs to pull backwards and up.<\/p>\n

This cue also helps to create elongation (rather than compression) through the entire spinal axis, especially lower thoracic and lumbar. This is a feeling of lifting the waist long and creating space between the trunk and the legs.<\/p>\n

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To return upright from Standing Roll Down: \u201cReach ViPR towards the floor as you restack the spine\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

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At the top of Chest Lift: \u201cReach ViPR out past knees\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

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At the top of Roll Up: \u201cPush ViPR towards the wall in front of you as you lift up through waist\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n