Core stability

It's been nearly a year now that, along with Gail, I've been attending online Pilates classes, and I want you to know that I am feeling the benefit.

All those workouts for the deep abdominals have done wonders for my core stability, and this comes in useful in the most unexpected circumstances.

For example, when your human stops for a break on a breezy hillside, and gives you a chewy treat to enjoy while she admires the view, it is important to be able to stand firm and not lose your footing as you are buffeted by the wind, as I demonstrate in the little video clip below.

https://youtu.be/jzJNrV1ohS4

I will admit I have not yet quite got the hang of the Pilates pelvic floor strengthening routine, as might be deduced from the number of times I pause to decorate the heather on the way down...

And I was only trying to help...

So there I was, relaxing on the sofa the other evening, when I became aware of Gail moving around in odd positions on the floor and I suddenly remembered her complaining to a friend about how she found it both boring and lonely having to do her Pilates class online.  

There are occasions which demand a dog. 

Bertie to the rescue! 

First I followed the instructor for a minute or two, to see what it was all about.

Having become an expert in both technique and terminology, I carefully checked Gail's positioning (neutral spine, pelvic floor engaged, tummy button to floor, no flaring of the ribs, headlights forward etc.) 

Oh dear, there's something a little wrong with your position here. I need to check you're working those deep abdominals... and please remember to imagine that soft peach under your chin...

For some reason my interventions were not appreciated, so I decided to provide a bit of entertainment instead, to liven thing up.

Yes you've guessed it. Still not appreciated. 

There's no pleasing some folk.