JUNE MOVE OF THE MONTH: TURTLE

Gather 'round, Pilates pals, because it's time to dive into the adorable world of Turtle on the Reformer! You might have heard it called Reverse Knee Stretch, but let's be real, Turtle just sounds way cuter, doesn't it? Get ready for a shell-tastic workout that'll have you feeling strong and oh-so-snuggly.

Now, Turtle isn't just about sculpting those abs of steel (although, let's be honest, that's a pretty sweet bonus). Your arms, shoulders, and hip flexors are about to join the party too. It's like a full-body fiesta, complete with turtle-themed party hats!

But here's the twist: Turtle might feel like trying to pat your head and rub your belly at the same time when you first give it a whirl. And you know what? That's exactly what makes it so darn fun! We're talking intentional confusion here, folks—because sometimes, shaking things up is the best way to find those hidden movement gems.

For all you newbies out there, Turtle is your golden ticket to trunk stability and core strength. So buckle up and get ready to feel the burn—slow and steady wins the race, after all!

Now, let's address some common whoopsies that might pop up along the way:

Mistake #1: Shell shock! Collapsing (extending) the lumbar spine Imagine this: you're cruising through Turtle, but suddenly, your lower back decides to take a siesta. Not cool, lower back, not cool. This sneaky move might make the exercise a tad easier, but where's the fun in that?

So, how do we fix it? First off, engage those abs like you're trying to squeeze into your favorite pair of jeans. Keep the movement small and mighty, folks. And hey, if all else fails, stick a hand under your belly and give it a gentle nudge upward—your abs will thank you later.

Mistake #2: Oops, wrong shell! Pulling from your shoulders Listen up, pals, your torso is the star of the show here. If you find yourself yanking from your shoulders like you're starting a lawnmower, it's time to reel it in. We're not saying it's wrong, per se, but we're all about that core engagement, baby!

So, plant those palms against your noggin or give your client's shoulders a gentle nudge back into place. Trust us, your abs will thank you for keeping the party centered.

And there you have it, folks! Turtle on the Reformer: the quirky, challenging, and downright delightful exercise that's about to become your new BFF. Let's get shell-shocked! 🐢