You know...no matter how much you think you may understand a key concept, if you are weak in a particular area or if a concept is physically vague, it's truly amazing what can happen when you find it...by having to apply it or else!  I am speaking of the "Heel to Seat" connection.

With tight hip flexors, un-square hips due to a slight scoliosis with rotation to the right I am proud to say that I finally have a firm grasp on this connection and what it's about.  All through the PPS certification process "Heel to Seat" has been a major area of opportunity for me.  The Chair and Barrel courses were the wake-up-call where I was just a complete unbalanced mess.  After getting my own MVe chair and spending quality time with it...and from some of the issues I have with my horse (equestrian sports: hunter/jumper)...It finally occured to me that I have no "Heel to Seat" connection or strength on the right side of my body.  My riding instructor is always telling me that my right leg is "too far back".  My Chiropractor said that my spine is rotated to the right so...Duh.  Well, after feeling unworthy in the MVe class at the conference in Austin, I was able to put it all together once I had some private time with the MVe at home.  Doing "Pumping, Standing front, side and cross over, I was fine standing on the left leg.  Standing on the right leg, pumping with the left, I would almost fall over.  I also now know why I could not do any of the "going-up" or "balance-control" chair exercises.  With a weak "heel to seat" connection on the right side I would totally rely on the left leg to pull me up.  I would be collapsed in the right hip-flexor and compensate with the left side therefore continuing to strengthen the already strong left side.  Riding my horse, I also had straightness issues...My horse always seemed to fall in to the right.  It's because I had no right leg to hold him up and a strong left leg pushing him into the right....bigger "duh"! 

At first, doing the "Standing-Pumping" exercises on the chair, no matter how hard I tried, I could not fire those muscles on the backside or open the front of the hip...and therefore would fall over.  It took alot of "concentration" but when I was able to fire up the backside I could miraculously do it.  The other benefits of finding that connection are a truer sence of "center line" with the abdominals scooped in and up...hello Powerhouse!..., and somewhat square hips.  When engaged I no longer supinate on my right foot, my abdominals have that concave appearance and the thoracic spine is lifted and the chest is open with minimal effort, and I can turn my head because the neck is finally long...

Even with the few awesome instructors I've had the privelege of taking sessions from through the certification process and the sessions I've taken from the ladies I did my certifications with, I've always thought that I understood "heel to seat".  This kind of discovery is what makes Pilates so amazing.  There seems to always be an "Oh Wow!" moment waiting in the wings.  I hope that my personal experience and personal imbalance may help you with a client who is stuggling, especially with the Chair.  Let them keep trying.  In order to perform the exercise, they will have to square everything up and "pinch a penny" tight!    I am happy to report that I am able to do "Pumping-Standing front, side and crossed over" with my hands behind my head on both sides, I can do the "twist" series and "going-up front" without holding on, on both sides, and I'm able to keep my horse more balanced and straight.   A month ago it would have never happened.

Cody Robbins...The Pilates Room, Memphis