“PHYSICAL FITNESS is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous ZEST and pleasure.” Joseph Pilates (Return to Life)
Although most of us don’t jump with zest like the handsome man in the picture, our inner thigh muscle strength and flexibility is important for each of us. There are many Pilates’ exercises that strengthen and increase the flexibility of the very important postural muscles of the legs. The Side Splits in the picture to the left, show the very same position of the man jumping (above), which are the same muscles we use every day for functional movements like walking and getting in and out of our cars and chairs. These muscles deteriorate over time when not used.
The inner thighs can easily be worked out at home with Mat Class exercises and then challenged more on each of the pieces of equipment during a Private or Semi-Private session.
The most superficial adductor muscle of the inner thigh is the Gracilis. It assists in the stabilization of the body movement and of the upper leg. In Pilates we define the CORE as the muscles from the diaphragm to the gluteal fold on both the front and back of the body. So, this includes the Gracilis muscles. The strength in these muscles forms a significant part of the core strength of the individual as a whole. So, strengthening this small thin muscle helps with lordosis (low back curvature), low back pain and even knee issues. Many clients have benefited with improved health and toned muscles as they learn to use their stabilizing leg adducting muscles!