Pilates girl Ananya Panday’s ‘first attempt of the walkover’ will leave you motivated

Look beyond your screens and you will find fitness motivation all around. And if you are someone who likes to keep variety in your workouts, you must give Pilates — a favourite with many celebrities — a try. Showing us her Pilates power was Ananya Panday, who was seen performing her first ever ‘walkover’ on the Pilates Cadillac. “Ananya Panday‘s first attempt at walkover on the Cadillac. Well done,” shared Namrata Purohit, her Pilates trainer.

The walkover on the Cadillac is a “dynamic and challenging Pilates exercise” that targets multiple muscle groups while emphasising core strength, flexibility, and control.

According to fitness expert Garima Goyal, this exercise is typically performed on the Cadillac apparatus, a versatile piece of equipment equipped with various springs, straps, and bars that allow for a wide range of movements and exercises. “The walkover is an advanced variation that requires a strong foundation in Pilates principles and proper technique to execute safely and effectively,” said Goyal.

How to do it?

*To begin the walkover on the Cadillac, the practitioner typically starts by lying on their back on the Cadillac platform, with their feet secured in the straps attached to the springs above.
*The springs provide resistance, adding intensity to the exercise and requiring the practitioner to engage their core muscles throughout the movement.

Ananya Panday performed a walkover (Source: Namrata Purohit/Instagram Stories)

*The walkover begins with the practitioner engaging their deep abdominal muscles and stabilising their pelvis as they lift their legs towards the ceiling. “This initial movement requires coordination and control to maintain proper alignment and stability in the spine,” said Goyal.
*As the legs are lifted towards the ceiling, the practitioner simultaneously engages their upper body, pressing their arms into the Cadillac platform to lift their torso off the mat. “This action requires strength in the arms, shoulders, and upper back, as well as coordination between the upper and lower body,” said Goyal.

*The practitioner continues to engage their core muscles as they begin to articulate their spine, peeling their back off the mat, one vertebra at a time. Goyal elucidated that this sequential movement helps to strengthen the muscles along the spine while promoting spinal mobility and flexibility. This movement also involves reaching the legs overhead, aiming to bring them towards the Cadillac platform behind them.

“This movement requires flexibility in the hamstrings, hips, and lower back, as well as strength in the core and upper body to maintain control and stability,” Goyal said.

Ananya while performing the walkover (Source: Namrata Purohit/Instagram Stories)

*As the torso lowers back towards the mat, the legs lower towards the ceiling, return to the starting position with control and precision. “The practitioner aims to maintain smooth and fluid movement throughout the entire exercise, avoiding any jerky or uncontrolled motions that could compromise technique or safety,” said Goyal.

What is to be kept in mind?

Throughout the walkover on the Cadillac, the practitioner focuses on maintaining proper alignment and engagement of the core muscles, while also paying attention to their breath and staying connected to their body.

“This mindfulness and body awareness are essential components of Pilates practice, helping to enhance the effectiveness of the exercise and reduce the risk of injury,” said Goyal.

Ananya’s walkover on Pilates Cadillac required strength and balance (Source: Namrata Purohit/Instagram Stories)

As with any exercise, it’s important to consult with a qualified instructor and listen to your body’s feedback to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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