Barre Breakdown - Parallel Squat with Ball + Baby Name Announcement

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Hi Friends,

I hope you had a great Tuesday! Mine was busy busy. I started the day off with a fantastic Pilates Mat class as 7 AM and then worked at the studio for a few hours. At 12:30 PM E and I headed to the doctors office for our 20 week check up. I was really excited because we got to see the baby on the ultrasound. They had told us at the 16 week ultrasound that they were pretty sure it was a girl, but this one would confirm it 100%. Guess what? She's still a girl! :) We were waiting until after this appointment to officially announce the little ones name just in case. I am beyond excited to finally say that our little angel will be named:


Now, I just can't wait for her to be here! She got a clean bill of health at the doctors office, which is always extremely reassuring. We got to listen to her little heart beat and watch her wiggle around like crazy on screen. The ultrasound tech said she was an EXTREMELY active baby compared to others she sees. Maybe she is doing aerobics in there like her mom..

I chatted with my doctor more about my hip pain today, and she referred me to a chiropractor that specializes in prenatal patients. They think that my ligaments, tendons, and abdominal muscles are so tight and tense that they are fighting my hips trying to shift to accommodate the baby. Ultimately, my muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are at war with my pelvis. Not a great thing when you're growing every day. At least it has nothing to do with Annabelle! I went for my first visit to the chiropractor today, and return tomorrow for another adjustment. Fingers crossed he can help!

Now, back to the main topic of this post....... a new barre breakdown! This position is one of my favorites and one of the most challenging I do in class. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Barre Breakdown - Parrallel Squat with Ball

To begin, stand with one hip next to the barre and the same hand resting gently on the barre. Place a squishy ball in between your inner thighs. Make sure your feet are parallel and right underneath your hips. Lift you heels off the floor like you are wearing high heels. Next, bend your knees and lower down into a hover position like the one shown. You want to keep your shoulders right over your hips. Your abdominals should be helping to hold you in an upright position.


Disclaimer: This picture was taken when I was only about 2 months pregnant.
 
Exercise Sequence:
  • Holding body position, squeeze the ball 16x's.
  • Bend the knees and lower for two counts and lift for two counts 8x's.
  • Hold your lowest position and squeeze the ball 8x's.
  • Pulse down by bending the knees slightly 16x's (this should only be about a 1 or 2 inch movement).
  • Turn around and do the sequence again with your other hand on the barre.
If you don't have a barre, this exercise sequence can easily be done with your hand on a chair. I hope you enjoy!

When you were pregnant did you ever see a chiropractor to help with hip and back discomfort? Any success?

If you take barre classes, what is the most challenging move for you?

In health,

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2 Comments »

2 Responses to “Barre Breakdown - Parallel Squat with Ball + Baby Name Announcement ”

  1. How cute! I think Annabelle Katherine is a beautiful name for a baby girl. I bet you got super excited when you heard her heart beat for the first time. Anyway, it's great news that you were referred to a chiropractor. They're a big help when it comes to joint discomfort. I've known a lot of women who resorted to chiropactic treatments during pregnancy. Have a safe pregnancy! All the best! :)

    Alfonso Warren @ Arkansas Pioneer Chiropractic Health Centre

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  2. Finally knowing the gender of the baby is indeed exciting. It's just too bad that the moment is marred by the hip pain you’ve experienced, which is common in that stage of the pregnancy. Thankfully, your doctor referred you to a chiropractor. I just hope that you felt better after a number of adjustments. How are you, by the way?

    Tyrone Bryant @ McIver Chiropractic Center

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