Essential Hip-Opening Exercise for Desk Workers (Do This in Bed!)
One of the biggest keys to easing aches and pains while boosting flexibility is to move your body more throughout the day in different ways. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for simple exercises that fit seamlessly into daily life. Today’s video features an exercise that lengthens muscles that get tight and squished from […]
Beyond Pilates: How Alignment Studio Changed Everything for Nickie
At the end of 2024, I renamed our online membership to Alignment Studio (formerly Pilates Tonic Online). Why the change? The membership goes way beyond Pilates. It’s all about helping you incrementally, methodically, and safely rebuild flexibility and strength through alignment-based restorative exercise so you can keep doing all the activities you love. While I […]
The Unexpected Way to Release Stubborn Hip Tension
You know that incredible feeling when you stretch just right, and all the tight spots start to let go? That’s precisely what today’s exercise is all about. This movement feels fantastic while reaching nooks and crannies in your waist and hips where tension can hide. It starts off looking like the Figure 4 stretch, but […]
Essential Back Care: 4 Simple and Effective Techniques for 2025
As we get ready to ring in 2025, let’s ensure your back feels its absolute best! I’ve rounded up some of the best back-focused posts from 2024 to ease tension and help your back feel amazing. “Erase Back Tension Instantly with This Blanket Technique” Whenever I feel the slightest discomfort in my upper back creeping […]
Use the Glute Sweep for Hip and Low Back Tension Relief
The backside’s most popular job is providing something to sit on, but(t) 
there’s a lot more going on back there than just cushioning. I’m talking about layers—layers of muscles and fascia that help you: And when these layers get tangled and tight, they can cause discomfort and stop you from moving the way you […]
A Simple Side Plank Adjustment for Shoulder Strength and Stability
“I think I’m getting stronger.” “How can you tell?” “I’m not getting that sharp pain in my back anymore when I pick up my son. Also, I didn’t hate the side plank in class today!” This conversation happened recently after an Active Alignment mat class. Lately, I’ve been getting more requests about building strength from […]
