We’re now in our fourth week of using the Pilates body bars in class, and they’ve been a lovely way to bring something different to our sessions. Everybody has enjoyed trying the exercises, getting familiar with the equipment and adding a fresh challenge to their Pilates.
As an instructor, I love introducing variety while keeping our classes welcoming and adaptable. The body bars have given us new ways to work on strength, control and coordination—and plenty to practise together!
What is a Pilates body bar?
If you haven’t seen one before, a Pilates body bar is a lightweight bar with resistance bands attached at each end and loops for your feet.
The bands provide resistance as you move, so your muscles work against their pull. It’s a versatile piece of equipment that allows us to explore different movements without needing a collection of heavy weights.
The aim is to move with control, keeping good posture and choosing a comfortable range of movement.
What have we been working on?
Over the past four weeks, we’ve used the bars to bring variety to our Pilates exercises. Depending on the movement, they can help us work on:
- Muscle strength: challenging the arms, shoulders, legs and glutes.
- Core control: keeping the body steady as we move against resistance.
- Posture and body awareness: noticing our alignment and how we hold ourselves.
- Coordination: bringing arm and leg movements together with control.
One of the things I enjoy most is seeing everyone become more familiar with a new piece of equipment. Those first sessions are about finding our feet, and then we can gradually explore the movements with more confidence.
Watch my triceps demonstration
I’ve filmed a short triceps extension demonstration using the Pilates body bar to give you a little glimpse of what we’ve been doing.
The triceps are the muscles at the back of your upper arms. They help straighten your elbows and contribute to everyday pushing movements.
In this exercise, the resistance bands challenge those muscles as the arms extend. The focus is on a smooth, controlled movement, with a steady body and comfortable shoulders.
Watch my short demonstration below!
[Insert your triceps video here]
If you’re trying the movement, use comfortable resistance, avoid locking your elbows and keep breathing. Ask me in class if you’d like help finding the right position.
Strength for everyday life
For me, Pilates is about helping us feel capable in everyday life—carrying shopping, reaching, moving comfortably and continuing to do the things we enjoy.
Resistance exercises can play a useful part in maintaining muscle strength as we get older. The body bar gives us another way to include that work in our Pilates sessions, alongside our focus on movement, breathing and control.
And after four weeks, it’s been wonderful to see how much everyone has enjoyed the change!
Come and join us
If you’re looking for Pilates classes in Preston, you’ll find a friendly welcome at Celia Johnson Fitness. Beginners are welcome, and I offer options to help you work at your own level.
You don’t need to know how to use the equipment before you arrive—that’s what I’m here to help you with.
Fancy joining us? or message me for class details.
Let’s keep moving, building strength and enjoying the process together.