What if adding weight wasn’t about making exercises harder—but about making movement feel better?
In Pilates, we’re often taught to think of weight as resistance—somethingto push against, something that makes movement more challenging. But what if weight, when used differently, could do the exact opposite? What if it could help release unnecessary tension, improve proprioception, and allow the body to move with greater ease?
At the Pilates Congress 2025, Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle shared apowerful perspective shift on this very topic. Through her experience working with movers of all backgrounds, she introduced the idea that weight is not just for strength—it can also be a tool for relaxation and nervous system regulation.
One story, in particular, captured this idea beautifully.
The Navy SEAL Who Couldn’t Relax
During the workshop, Wendy shared a case study from her own practice—one that challenged traditional notions of strength, tension, and control.
A client, a former Navy SEAL, came to her after major heart surgery. He was incredibly strong, highly disciplined, and conditioned for endurance. His workouts had always been intense. His muscles, however, were so tight and over-recruited that even simple movements felt restricted.
To help him, Wendy placed a 10-pound sandbag on his shoulders. No change. 20 pounds? Still no shift.
Then she added 30 pounds, distributing the weight across his shoulders. Suddenly—his entire body let go. His shoulders dropped, his breath deepened, and, for the first time, he relaxed.
This moment was profound. Here was a man who had been trained to withstand extreme physical conditions, yet it took an unexpected approach—applying weight—to signal safety to his nervous system. Instead of fighting against resistance, his body responded to support. The added weight acted as an anchor, giving permission to release rather than brace.
Weight as a Tool for Relaxation, Not Resistance
Most people assume that adding weight makes movement harder. But in reality, the nervous system doesn’t always interpret weight as a challenge—sometimes, it reads it as stability.
This is especially true for clients who struggle with unnecessary bracing. Think of someone who constantly grips their shoulders, locks their knees, or tightens their jaw. Their body holds onto tension as a safety mechanism—a way of staying "ready" for movement.
By introducing weight strategically, we can:
- Improve proprioception – The body receives clearer signals about where it is in space, allowing for more natural movement.
- Release unnecessary tension – When weight is used correctly, it provides feedback that encourages relaxation instead of contraction.
- Enhance spinal organization – Weighted feedback helps align the body in a way that feels supported rather than forced.
Think of it this way: Have you ever felt how a weighted blanket can help you sleep better? It’s not because you’re “working harder” under the weight—it’s because your nervous system feels safe enough to let go.
How to Introduce Weight into Pilates Practice
For Pilates teachers, this offers an exciting opportunity to reframe how we use props and external load in sessions. Instead of always using weights to build strength, we can explore them as tools for deepening body awareness and relaxation.
Here are a few ideas:
- Weighted Sandbags on the Shoulders – Have clients experience how weight helps their shoulders naturally drop rather than forcing them down.
- Holding Small Weights in the Hands During Standing Work – Encourages grounding and connection to the floor.
- Weighted Blankets or Vests in Supine Exercises – Helps clients feel more supported, reducing gripping in the lower back and chest.
- Partner Work with Light Pressure on the Body – Instead of verbally cueing a client to relax, a gentle weighted touch can speak directly to the nervous system.
It’s not about making movements harder. It’s about helping the body find a new sense of ease, control, and flow.
Grateful for Wendy’s Teachings
Wendy’s insights at the Pilates Congress 2025 were a true gift, expanding how we see movement, support, and release. Her ability to challenge conventional thinking while honoring the intelligence of the body helps us grow—not just as teachers, but as lifelong learners. These shifts in perspective make us more resourceful, adaptable, and better equipped to serve our clients in a way that supports both strength and ease.
For those of us who were there, the experience was transformative. But the good news? You don’t have to miss out.
If you’re curious to explore these ideas further, the entire Pilates Congress 2025 is now available as an on-demand class. You can explore these teachings, try them in your own practice, and integrate these fresh perspectives into your teaching.
If you’ve ever wondered how to help your clients move with less strain and more freedom, this is your chance to discover how the smallest shifts can create the biggest breakthroughs.
Click here to get access to the Pilates Congress on-demand here!
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