Issue #467
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Pilates and the Art of Spinal Movement :: Why We Should Twist and Turn
by Amy Havens
Movement is medicine and I feel certain that every reader here will agree. Aren’t we so fortunate that we have a relationship with the Pilates Method and know how to tend to our bodies on a regular basis with range of movement in all planes of motion?
One of the many benefits of Pilates is efficient movement for life. As our spine is the vertical axis of support for our structure, it makes sense that we need to “move our spine every day in every way” (Eric Franklin). Our spine houses 12 pairs of cranial nerves that branch directly from the brain and 31 pairs of spinal nerves that branch from the spinal cord. The spinal nerves are connected to the spinal cord through nerve roots, with one pair exiting between each vertebra. Cranial nerves primarily serve the head and neck, while spinal nerves extend to the rest of the body. All of these nerve have specific jobs to do which allow for freedom of movement, expression, breath, organ function and well, for being alive.
In Pilates training, we often start with learning how to flex the spine, extend, rotate and side bend. I’m in excellent company with those that honor using the Pilates system for a full body, comprehensive ‘workout’ or session that includes exercises that move the spine in all planes of movement in every session or class.
Pilates Anytime Body Moves Photography
A misconception is that Pilates is ‘core’ work primarily focused on abdominal strength with lots of spinal flexion. Those who have this idea may not be privy to nor have experienced the entirety of the legendary repertoire. There is a plethora of exercises and sequences in the system that include all directions in a well-rounded and balanced workout, many with opportunities to practice twisting and rotation of the spine. Some are more simplistic, and some are quite complex and require much strength and mobility to execute. This is one reason why we practice the method, to build up to the more robust exercises.
Moving our spine every day in every way is a privilege not to be taken for granted. The Pilates Method boasts of ‘spine health’ so we must insure that we do exactly that — move it in as many ways as it can move, with integrity, clarity and purpose. Joseph Pilates instilled spine health which focuses on much more than abdominal exercises alone. Like a cat, we practice the ability to segmentally move in all ranges with both ease and precision.
As we know, there are cartilaginous discs between the vertebra of the spine which absorb the shock of spinal movement. As we flex, extend, or rotate the spine, the discs expand and disperse to allow the vertebra to move while still protecting the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. In return, the discs need the movement of the vertebral column to maintain its flexibility and mobility.
Come and join us for a fantastic workshop with Amy Havens in Stockholm, Sweden – to be held Novmeber 22 and 23. Spots are selling so reserve your spot now!!
Click here for details
Amy Havens holds a BA in Dance from Colorado State University. She is a mover, a thinker and passionate about movement and education. She was a dancer and chose to focus on her Pilates career after experiencing a hip injury while performing in San Francisco. She has been teaching for 29 years with certificates of completion from many programs –
The PhysicalMind/Madeline Black, Pilates Conservatory/Pat Guyton, The Heritage Program/Cara Reeser, Master-Mentor Programs/Rael Isacowitz and TheStretch To Win Institute/Frederick Stretch Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga/Cheri Clampett and Arturo Peal, to name a few.
With a rich and diverse background, Amy’s skillset is deep, detailed and nuanced. She prides herself on providing programming for clients and teachers that is functional, safe and relevant to what they’re needing from the Pilates Method. She has a keen eye, impeccable creative cuing and a compassionate teaching style. Amy deeply believes in the fundamentals of The Pilates Method and empowers teachers of all levels and backgrounds to embrace being a forever student. As our bodies change through time so does our delivery in teaching. Consistency and patience are pinnacles in Amy’s approach.
Amy is one of the original teachers for Pilates Anytime, the industry’s leading resource for online Pilates education. In addition to teaching for the site, Amy hosted and directed visiting teachers and was pivotal in content creation up until fall of 2020. Amy owned CenterPoint Pilates, one of Santa Barbara’s premier studios, for 20 years, and in the fall of 2020 downsized and now teaches in a small private space devoted to private and semi private clients. Amy is a mentor and enjoys teaching whether its online, in studios or traveling internationally. When not teaching, she loves cooking, hiking, dancing, restoring with yin yoga, spending time with friends and playing with her dog Luna.