For instance, the Spine Corrector! Throughout my Pilates journey, I have experienced several variations of spine correctors, none of which truly inspired me. Many of my clients have loved different versions we have used enough to purchase one for their home use! Finding extension on a spine corrector can be the most delicious stretching ever, helping to undo all the forward rounding and tech neck we modern humans do all day.
My mid-thoracic and lumbar spine is almost always tight and often painful. I have spinal cysts as well, which become inflamed, making matters worse. With these issues, I typically found reasons to avoid work on a spine corrector, even while teaching and encouraging my clients on these fantastic tools.
I first experienced the Contrology Spine Corrector at my teacher, Lesley Logan's studio. She has a Barbie® pink version, and the color itself makes you want to love it! She knew I needed the arm series on the spine corrector. That experience itself changed my perspective. While it was highly challenging for me to be in that extension, the difference it made in my spinal mobility and comfort was tremendous. I didn't have regular access to the Contrology Spine Corrector until equipping our Pilates Studio at The Jayhawk Club in Lawrence, KS. Since then, it has become one of my favorite apparatus, personally and for teaching clients.
Consistently doing the arm series, leg series, and side bending has improved my spinal alignment and strength. When my back is most painful, I can move better if I spend even a few minutes doing these things. Whenever a client comes in with tight hips or back pain, I will get them on the spine corrector. Movement in all planes, with the support and challenge the spine corrector provides, invariably improves posture and ease of movement.
The ability to teach and improve other exercises is among the many benefits of this gem. Helping clients find movement from the right place in challenging moves like the teaser, the swan, grasshopper, and side sit-ups is invaluable. Backbend and High Bridge on the spine corrector is an essential step to backbend and high bridge on the reformer, building strength, flexibility, shoulder mobility, and confidence before taking it to the movement of the reformer carriage.
Balance work on the spine corrector is also very beneficial. Standing work, such as tendon stretch and lunges, builds foot and ankle strength and knee and hip mobility. The Hundred, ab series, and swimming on top of the arc are some of the most challenging exercises, requiring mental focus, centering, and core engagement like no other tool. Even the Ladder Barrel provides more surface area for these than the spine corrector!
The difference in the Contrology version is the padding- it is firm, giving feedback and stability to you not only for spinal alignment but also for hips, shoulders, hands, and feet. The cushioning is also enough to feel rehabilitative. The angles, arc, and slope are more to the original specifications of Joseph Pilates. Movement on the Contrology Spine Corrector is one of my favorite things, unexpectedly! I find clients develop amazing autonomy with it. The support, feedback, and challenge with this under-appreciated, fundamental apparatus are like nothing else, allowing us to move through all the spine shapes, promote joint mobility, build strength, and develop that essential mind-body connection.
Kristin Salmans
NCPT
Kristin began teaching Pilates in 2003 after discovering a true love for movement and wellness. She’s a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher with Balanced Body training, including the eLevate mentorship with Lesley Logan, and holds additional certifications in Barre, TRX, and indoor cycling. With a background in nursing and health systems (BSN from Baylor, MHA from Georgetown), Kristin blends her healthcare expertise with a passion for community and civic engagement. She serves on her local hospital board and the League of Women Voters. Kristin loves building Pilates community and seeing clients transform in strength, confidence, and mind-body connection. Learn more at the Jayhawk Club.
