By Gabrielle Saran
The Daily Reminder We All Need
Walking down a winding road in my neighborhood, my mind is racing with to-do lists and business ideas. My German shepherd-husky mix, Sienna, stop-starts me every few feet—just enough time for a little sniff. Safe to say, my head is anywhere but on my posture.
And sure enough, I feel it. My chest caves in, my legs move without intention, and—wait—am I clenching my jaw again? This won’t do.
As we stroll beneath the towering oaks and magnolias, I gently lift my breastbone, relax my shoulders, and soften my gaze. I cue my legs to stay in rhythm with my torso. And just like that, everything shifts. I feel more confident, relaxed, and at ease—no longer rushed, no longer tense.
This happens every day, and yet, I’m always amazed by the profound effect good posture has on my body and mind. But why does it feel so good?
Posture: More Than Just Looking Poised
Good posture isn’t just about standing tall—it’s about how you feel. Proper alignment helps reduce aches and pains, boosts your energy, and even gives you a sense of control. When your body is in balance, everything functions better—from your muscles to your circulation.
Joseph Pilates understood this deeply, which is why Pilates places so much emphasis on body alignment. The more awareness we bring to our posture, the more we can move through life with ease.
So, where do we start? Here’s my simple posture check-in list:
✔ Is your core strong? A strong core is the foundation of great posture.
✔ Are your joints balanced? This means having both flexibility and strength in the muscles surrounding your joints.
✔ Do you hold unnecessary tension? Maybe you clench your jaw (guilty!), hold your breath, or wear your shoulders like earrings.
3 Go-To Pilates Exercises for Better Posture
If you’re looking to improve your posture, these exercises are my tried-and-true favorites:
💡 Bridges (Mat or Reformer) – Flat back, round back, all variations! Bridges strengthen the glutes, hamstrings, and core while improving spinal articulation and pelvic stability.
💡 Prone Exercises (Lying on Your Belly) – Think Swimming, Swan, and Pulling Straps on the reformer. These moves strengthen the back, glutes, and hamstrings while stretching the front of the body—a must for good posture.
💡 Rotational Exercises – Movements like Seated Twists or Bow and Arrow (on the reformer) enhance spinal mobility and encourage a well-balanced, flexible spine.
The Posture Journey
Improving your posture isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a journey. Even after 10+ years of teaching Pilates, I still catch myself slipping when my mind drifts. But having the tools to make small, mindful adjustments? That makes all the difference.
And that’s why I love Pilates so much! If you’re ready to strengthen your posture, check out these workouts. Not a member yet? Try it for free for 7 days—cancel anytime.
Let’s keep moving 😀
