Using Pilates to Cross-Train for SUP

Here in Chicago, it’s starting to feel as though summer may never arrive. Yet in only a couple of months, we’ll be reminded of how great it is to spend every free minute on Lake Michigan. This months post will demonstrate some exercises that can be done to cross-train for SUP. If you have access to the necessary equipment- great! If not, we’d be happy to whip you into SUP shape at Pilates Plus Cross-Training Studio in Lincoln Park.

Beginner BOSU Paddle

Stand on the BOSU with the ball side up. Place the feet hip width apart, bend the knees slightly, and engage the abdominal muscles. Grip one hand on top of a light bar and the other about half way down. Practice a paddling motion on each side of your body while maintaining stability atop the BOSU.

Intermediate BOSU Paddle

Stand on the BOSU with the platform side up. Place the feet hip width apart, bend the knees slightly, and engage the abdominal muscles. Grip one hand on top of a weighted bar and the other about half way down. Practice a paddling motion on each side of your body while maintaining stability atop the BOSU.

Advanced Reformer Paddle

Stand on top of the Pilates Reformer towards the center of the gliding carriage facing the cables. Place the feet hip width apart, bend the knees slightly, and engage the abdominal muscles. Feed the light bar through the right side cable strap and anchor it with your right hand, while gripping the top of the bar with your left hand. Using one attached light spring, slowly guide the bar along the outside of the frame in a sweeping motion behind you. Continue to stabilize your torso as you return the bar forward. Complete 30 repetitions and then switch sides.

Eme Cole

Author of Pilates Expanded - Stand Up Paddle Board, an introduction to SUP Pilates, Eme owns Pilates Plus Cross-Training Studio in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago and is available for Stand Up Paddle Pilates lessons on Lake Michigan in the summer.