Patti is excited to share with other Pilates and movement educators the numerous benefits of using Inner Space Yoga products in their practice!  And we are excited to share this awesomeness with our Inner Space friends! So we asked Patti...

How do you use the Zabuton on your Pilates Reformers?  

I have to be honest, when I first purchased the Zabuton it was for sitting on the floor in my home to support positions while playing cards, reading or watching tv versus sitting on the couch.  Within the first week the light bulb went off, of all the ways we could use it to support our clients on the reformer.  Even though the reformer bed it padded we found the Zabuton meditation cushion creates extra support for individuals with sensitive backs, recent back surgery or propping pregnant mamas.  It is also wonderful for creating a soft surface to support the knee when in kneeling positions.  As the body matures the knees can have greater sensitivity and be painful if kneeling or placing the knee on the carriage.  We also find the need to cushion the knee after injury or surgery and the zabuton offers just the right about of softening under the knee to make these exercises accessible and possible.  I also affectionately call it the princess pea bed in my Pregnant Mama’s class were we use it behind the back when creating a incline back (as seen in the picture above),  to place under the knees when doing all 4’s kneeling or lunges. It is also wonderfully comforting and supportive to sit one with the zafu in sitting arm work. 

How does the Zafu’s work into your practice?

I must admit sitting is not my favorite form of meditation, so I wasn’t instantly attracted to the zafu until picking up my order and being shown how I could flip it on its side to support one when sitting on the shins and knees.  Let me tell you I was sold right away and saw the many ways it could support myself and clients.  As mentioned with the Zabuton I like being able to sit on the floor in the home which is so beneficial to our overall movement and longevity.  Utilizing archetypal movement patterns like sit on my heels, cross legged and squat while playing cards with my family in the evenings.  So I automatically saw all the ways this amazing little pillow could support our students in their exercises.  On the reformer we use it for sitting exercises to lift the hips to create more mobility in cross leg sitting.  In kneeling exercises, we turn it on its side to bring the ground up minimizing the degree of flexion in the knee along with bringing some of the weight off the knee allowing someone to be supported in a kneeling position that they may not be able to accomplish otherwise.  I’ve also used it before as a pillow when creating an incline position on the reformer for pregnancy and post back surgery.  When teaching exercises lying lengthwise on the oval bolster, I’ve used it behind the head to extend the length of the bolster.  We also use it under the head when doing a side lying stretch on the oval bolster. The possibilities of these items are truly endless.  Every time I feel I’ve used them every way possible I find another use.  

 

What do your students think of Inner Space Yoga Products?

Our clients/students love these products as do we. I utilize them every day in some form during sessions. They are so extremely supportive in so many exercises allowing individuals the ability to mobilize their bodies in ways they would struggle with or be unable to without.  We have clients that have multiple products. The most utilized is the oval bolsters as we’ve taught so many ways to use them. We even have individuals that have multiple homes that have bought one for each, so they always have one and don’t have to move them back and forth.  

🤩 “Everyone needs one of these in their home and you need to teach this to everyone.  Nothing has been able to give me the relief this has.”
🤩 “I have never used a bolster and was surprised how good it works...felt great.  I will have to include this in my workouts.”
🤩 “I discovered there are more ways than one to release tension. The bolster is heavy enough to use as a weight as well and can help work the upper body and core.”