Bridging is one of the most practised exercises in the Pilates repertoire. It is a precursor to many other mat and studio exercises and builds a foundation of strength in the lower limbs which helps you to understand how to move your spine in segments. This way you can successfully practice other things like the roll-up, rolling like a ball, spine stretch and many more.
Bridging helps to build stability through the hips and pelvis, alleviates a tight sore lower back, helps to create more mobility through your thoracic spine, engages your glutes and hamstrings and on a deeper level massages the organs!
I often use it as an assessment tool during an initial consultation as it tells a thousand tales. I can see where the tight spots throughout the spine are if there is an imbalance through the pelvis, how the ribs are behaving, your connection to the abdominals, what you’re breathing pattern is like, how open the hips are and how well you connect body and mind.
It’s a versatile exercise that most people can do. So today I am going to talk you through bridging and show you some lovely variations!
Grab your mat and hop on down.
