Pilates Mat Exercise #19: The Neck Pull

Pilates Mat Exercise #19: The Neck Pull

The Neck Pull belongs to a group of Pilates exercises we all love to hate.

Perhaps it’s even top of the list.

If you’re not a fan of the Roll Up, you’ll have nary a kind thought for the Neck Pull.

Promoted as the ‘Move of the Month’ at Real Pilates NYC, you’ve still got the rest of your lives to perfect your Neck Pull. Your stomach and your back will love you for it.

Your ego may hate us…but please, persevere.

The Battle of the Body Parts

My personal journey through the Neck Pull remains vivid in my mind to this day. I first learned this abominable exercise in a Mat class at Excel Pilates in Washington, DC.

You may notice in the photo above I am on a proper studio Mat with a strap and handles.

‘Twas not always so…

Learning the Neck Pull in a Mat class – sans strap – with a tight back and a less-than-stellar Roll Up, this exercise soon became my nemesis. As I began the exercise I watched my lower body in horror. I quickly got stuck and flailed about, my legs lifting into the air.

#mypilatesnightmare

I was terrified to receive my first Pilates diploma due to my inability to do the Neck Pull on the Mat at all, really. I assumed if I were ever to run into criminals in a dark alley they would demand the Neck Pull in exchange for my life, and my odds of surviving said encounter were slim.

And I’m really out of luck if they also demand I twist.

Worst-case Scenario

For many Pilates practitioners and teachers, there’s no torture quite like the Teaser. For me, well, I guess I was much better at cheating on that one.

The Neck Pull didn’t offer as many options.

After completing my initial teacher training I was assigned to teach an Intermediate level Mat class at the studio. Gulp. This class of course included the dreaded Neck Pull.

What if I should have to demonstrate the Neck Pull?

I knew this situation was unavoidable.

OMG someone may have a question.

Would I have an answer?

At the time I also had a client, perhaps 20 years my senior, who did the Neck Pull very well. She had issues with other exercises, of course, as we all do. But I would watch her do her 5-6 Neck Pulls and think “I got nothin’…look at her, DOING the exercise.”

As it turned out, an actual friend of mine was in my Mat class and struggling with the Neck Pull.

“I’m not getting it. Can I see you do it?”

Thanks, friend…

…and the sweating begins before the exercise.

That day I learned the degree to which the mind can impose its will upon the body. Who’s in control here, anyway?

It was the first successful Neck Pull I had ever done.

Yes.

I know how to suck it up and get the job done.

No way was I going to choke while my class of 15 people all watched me.

#neverletthemseeyousweat

Here’s a similar story of Pilates willpower: same exercise, a decade later, Jennifer Kries style.

In recent years I have added the Neck Pull to another group of exercises that, once odious to me, I now love love love with all my heart.

I hope you’ll enjoy these 2 short tutorials on the Neck Pull.

What Luck! Even more great info on the Neck Pull from Alisa Wyatt here.

Thank you for watching!

Pilates Mat Exercise #19: The Neck Pull

Save the Date! Saturday February 7, 2015.

I’ll be teaching at the California Pilates Center in Oceanside, CA. 

Sign up for my awesome Mat class here!

Let’s workout. You know you want to.

2 Responses

  1. Thanks Andrea for your post on the ‘beloved’ neck pull. Next year will mark my 30, yup THIRTY, year anniversary of doing neck pull and it’s still my #1 biggest challenge. Alisa, thanks for the reminder that Joe always used the strap. Andrea, I’m not giving up my goal to LOVE this exercise. In the meantime, I’m keeping the exercise boomerang in my pocket as a back up defender should Pilates demands ever be made in a dark alley.

    1. Kerry DeVivo!!! That Boomerang plan of yours sounds like a good one – LOL. Thank you so much my dear teacher and friend for reading and for sharing your thoughts. We simply MUST catch up soon. It is good to have lofty goals like loving a despised exercise. 2 at the top of my list are Pull straps (well I guess 4 at the top of my list) and T, and Snake/Twist. Will I achieve love for these exercises? Who knows…

      Keep up your awesomeness, my friend!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pilates Inspiration Delivered Weekly

Consider me as a trusted guide on your Pilates Path. Sign up to receive an email each week chock full of Pilates nerding out and fun!

Have a question about Pilates or scheduling a lesson? I’d love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE

Book Your In-Studio Group Class

Book Your Online Group Class