Week 3 - A focus on the core while adding movements to your Pilates workout to target the upper back

Aoife Lennon: “My advice is that when you're exploring your range of motion, it's important that you go really slowly.” Picture : Eamon Ward

    In our Pilates programme last week, Aoife Lennon of Vanilla Matcha Pilates introduced several new movements aimed at activating our cores.

This week’s session will continue focusing on the core while adding new movements that target the upper back.

“We’ll do a swan press, a thoracic twist, and an elephant shape,” says Lennon. “These will focus on upper back mobility.”

She explains that a lack of mobility in the upper back can lead to lower back issues.

So, when we have a mobile upper back that feels nice and free when we’re doing thoracic twisting, that will contribute to a nice, healthy lower back.”