[Mel]

In Balance, when we do bridge pose, on the videos it always explicitly explains that we must squeeze our buttocks while lifting up.

However I once had a PT client that used to do pilates who said to me that they explicitly state to NOT squeeze the buttocks.

Yesterday I participated in a pilates class where the instructor also said not to squeeze the buttocks in bridge pose and to try and relax the muscles.

So my question is, why is this taught differently between the 2 programs?

[sigma]

Mel, on 23 August 2010 - 03:19 AM, said:

In Balance, when we do bridge pose, on the videos it always explicitly explains that we must squeeze our buttocks while lifting up.

However I once had a PT client that used to do pilates who said to me that they explicitly state to NOT squeeze the buttocks.

Yesterday I participated in a pilates class where the instructor also said not to squeeze the buttocks in bridge pose and to try and relax the muscles.

So my question is, why is this taught differently between the 2 programs?

Even in yoga it's is done without squeezing the buttocks, but as fas as i know, yhe squeezing part comes from pilates.

[Mel]

I've done a short google, and found 2 yoga sites that don't mention the butt at all, and another site that says to squeeze the butt.

hmmmm.....

[tails]

http://www.yogajourn...m/practice/2731

This might help. Some times the answer can depend a lot on genetics.

I like to use the word "engage" rather than "squeeze" when teaching a yoga class. Squeeze tends to make people squeeze the crap out of a pose, when being subtle is way more effective.

[Mel]

Wow thanks tails, I really really like that article. Only wish I knew the authenticity of the article as it doesn't have any references, but it definately sounds like it's on the mark.

Makes sense why in bodybalance says to squeeze the buttocks, since it's the safer option for the majority of participants, even if it's not necessarily the most effective option for all.

[tails]

Mel, on 25 August 2010 - 01:39 AM, said:

Wow thanks tails, I really really like that article. Only wish I knew the authenticity of the article as it doesn't have any references, but it definately sounds like it's on the mark.

Makes sense why in bodybalance says to squeeze the buttocks, since it's the safer option for the majority of participants, even if it's not necessarily the most effective option for all.

In yoga it is more about engaging your "root lock", or pelvic floor, and when you do this your buttocks should automatically engage. Even when trying to find the pelvic floor, people squeeze the crap out of their muscles and you can't hold this and breathe. Just a little tip for everyone if you breathe out through your nose, then pinch your nose closed, then try and breathe in with the nostrils closed, you should feel a "subtle" lift in your pelvic floor, or "root lock". Very subtle, but that is how it should feel in bridge pose. Not a big "squeeze the heck out of your buttocks".

This post has been edited by tails: 25 August 2010 - 12:26 PM

[mikesbytes]

Last night I did yoga and bridge pose was included. The instructor got us to keep our feet hip width apart and our knees together. Seemed to be halfway between the 2 options being discussed here, but probably varied from person to person.

[tails]

Feet are hip width apart, but knees should be in line with the hips, not together, although I am sure that is what you meant.

[Fizzio]

It is a safety cue to 'squeeze the buttocks'. Wording can be different, but with the latest LMI coaching innovations, simplicity is the key. 'Squeeze the buttocks' is as simple as you can get.