Gratz Gallery | Christina Gadar on the Mat
GRATZ GALLERY | CHRISTINA GADAR
The Hundred - Gratz Mat
In his written instructions from his book, "Return to Life," Joe wrote that the body lifts into a long, hollowed out shape for the Hundred on the in-breath, but it is the out-breath that marks the first set of five arms pumps, not the in-breath. Yes, that's right, the exhalation starts the first five counts of arm pumping. So as you pump tensed arms above your body, you should be mentally counting, “EXHALE, 2, 3, 4, 5, inhale, 2, 3, 4, 10, EXHALE 2, 3, 4, 5, inhale 2, 3, 4, 20…” And after the final set of ten arm pumps, you get to exhale as you gently lower your body to the mat. Not only does this feel natural, but it is also very consistent with Joe’s description of the Double Leg Stretch, and with his very detailed written instructions in the Around the Clock pamphlet. Like the Hundred, these exercises also use an in-breath to establish the initial shape, followed by an out-breath to begin the movement. I’ve started teaching the Hundred this way to all my students (including my 91-year-old superstar), and it has been a game-changer! So, please re-read your copy of RTL and give the OG Hundred a try! I guarantee you will love it!
About Christina Gadar
A dual citizen of Brazil and the United States, Christina Maria Gadar is a certified second-generation Pilates teacher, having completed rigorous training under grandmaster teacher Romana Kryzanowska, who was personally trained by Joseph Pilates. She is the author of six Pilates books: Pilates: An Interactive Workbook, a timeless guide to classical Pilates, Pilates: An Interactive Workbook, Wunda Chair Edition, an authentic guide to the original Wunda Chair exercises as taught by Joe Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska, Pre-Pilates and Beyond: The Lesser-Known Exercises of the Pilates Method, an all-inclusive text written for students of all ages and fitness levels, featuring exercises that incorporate everyday items found around the house, Pilates for Children: Making Pilates Safe and Fun for Kids, an unprecedented manual for Pilates teachers, Discovering Joe Pilates, a captivating Pilates book that educates and entertains readers of all ages, and The Pilates Animals Workout: Exercise That Helps You Feel as Fit as an Animal, featuring the program she created for children and their parents. The Pilates Animals Workout® or P.A.W. for short, was inspired by the natural movement of animals and the original Pilates exercises.
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