While in Ann Arbor this week, I took a private pilates class at Move. Having worked with my own pilates instructor at home, I had an idea of what I was up against when I walked into the studio. I assumed that we would focus on my troubling IT band, but what I did not expect was to learn something new about the implications of my perpetual pavement pounding.
My Michigan instructor pointed out that my arm and upper back muscles, as well as their corresponding fascias, are incredibly weak. She noticed this specifically when I attempted to stretch my fingers while pressing against a wall. Although this is not uncommon for runners like me, she did want me to focus on building up those muscles.
As a first step in strengthening, my Michigan instructor demonstrated this close arm wall push up. She explained that if a person were to do this exercise everyday, while gradually increasing both the repetitions and space between herself and the wall, she should be able to tone the runner's trouble zone!
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