Quite often I get one or both hamstrings cramping during bridging. Can you give some pointers to avoid this problem? I notice it is really bad while pulling the bar towards myself with my heels.

Hi Carla!
This is a very common issue - don't worry you're not alone! My tips to avoid, or at least lessen this:

- Try to connect to your glutes a bit more if possible. Visualize sit bones pulling towards each other, or focus on pressing the heels into the bar.

- You can add more spring tension. The lighter the weight, the more the hamstrings need to work to keep the carriage pulled in.

- Placing a ball between the inner thighs helps quite a bit. Focus on gently squeezing it.

- You can keep the bridge small by not lifting up all the way.

Let me know how that goes!

Cheers,
Gabrielle

Your suggestion of using a ball between the thighs really helped enable me to bridge without cramping at regular spring tension. Thanks!

Thoroughly enjoying your wonderful, creative classes and excellent cuing, it has helped me to a new level in my Pilates practice.

I'm so happy that helped you out!! And so glad you've been enjoying my classes :)