One of the most prevalent postural deviations is "forward head" where the head is forward of the shoulders and the thoracic spine is overly rounded. Traditional crunches and especially the 100's in Pilates re-enforces this problem by forcing the head forward and putting length-tension pressure on the traps, while shortening the abdominals further pulling the rib cage down. The athlete ends up with a great looking six-pack at the expense of the neck and thoracic. I've seen so many neck, shoulder and thoracic spine injuries caused by doing exercises with the head forward of the body (in Yoga, Pilates and other exercise routines) in my experience as a trainer. I'm surprised you have included these two Pilates ab exercises in your sports injury bulletin. There are so many other ways of strengthening the abs without pressing the head and neck forward. I was hoping this site would give more alternatives to the usual fare.

Loretta Reilly, NASM
The Back & Neck Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York

have to agree with loretta - not really impressed with exercise selection. very "watery" choices, not really any lateral stability work (those side leg lifts and storks wouldnt cut it), and from my understanding runners suffer more from tfl / itb problems than quads, yet she mentions a hip flexor strengthening movement?? as a core based trainer I use pilates exercises often, but these choices were just not functional enough
scott rose bhms
exercise scientist sydney oz

I like the way you totally dismiss this ladies video and yet i don't see your video on here? i think a general Pilates video like this is good for people that understand there limitations. If someone that has never done Pilates before see's the video and try's to copy her then i hope they realise this will not help them run better, because they would not be able to do.
The important thing is that if people want a Pilates programme then go to a class or see a pilates instructor on a 1-2-1 basis. This is the only way an individuals problem will be fixed or their performance will improve. Whatever you are trainning for improvement in performance is only going to happen if you do thing correctly. Got a bad tooth see a dentist, want glasses see an Optician, want to improve performance see a personal trainer. A good one that is!!!
P.S osteopath i'll be looking forward to your video seeing you know such brilliant, inventive, new pilates exercises?

Nice and useful video. All attempts in the video are cool and precise. This would definitely help almost all elderly fellows like me. I have already started practicing it and scheduled it in my routine activities, because I guess activities not scheduled are really nothing.

Most people think that aging is irreversible and we know that there are mechanisms even in the human machinery that allow for the reversal of aging, yeah it is exercise. Thank you for clean and precise explanation of those essential stuffs. Breathtakingly important tips!

I have long been a proponent of pilates,its a great way to stay fit, and more importantly, can be practiced by everyone, irrespective of fitness levels or age. It's a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This might is of great use to the public. now they start showing some interest in this kind of activities.

Really nice video i enjoyed it . will come for the next updates thanks.

Be good to get a video of the athletic position set as it is used in all your ladder and agility exercises. It warrants attention in its self. Thanks.

I have found that if you get them to start several metres behind the ladder, and run through with their gaze point well in front their posture is better.
regards,

Awesome video.Less chance of getting injured and doing those exercises can really help my confidence boosted up.

I grip a single dumbbell with both hands, place it behind my head, and extend my arms

getting a fit body it is not mean that you should spent hours in Gym a running ,jogging cycling and swimming are the other easier options as well...but one should maintain regularity in it..