top of page

Pilates Self-Care Saturday: The Art of Tongue Twisting

Writer's picture: Michael KingMichael King

Engage your tongue for better alignment, breathing, and overall body connection.
Tongue exercises promote relaxation, improve posture, and support pelvic floor health.

When we think about self-care in Pilates, we often focus on alignment, breath, and movement. However, there is one often-overlooked area that can profoundly affect the body’s function – the tongue. Today’s Self-Care Saturday shines a light on the art of tongue twisting and its surprising benefits, including its potential impact on the pelvic floor.


The Role of the Tongue in Body Function

The tongue is not just a tool for speaking and tasting. It plays a vital role in posture, breathing, and overall body alignment. The tongue's position and movement affect the myofascial connections throughout the body. Misalignment or tension in the tongue can lead to issues such as jaw tension, poor posture, and even restricted diaphragmatic breathing. By actively engaging and relaxing the tongue, we can influence the nervous system, enhance circulation, and even create a ripple effect that reaches the pelvic floor.


How Tongue Twisting Helps

The tongue is connected to the deep front line of fascia, which also links to the pelvic floor. Engaging the tongue in specific movements can improve these connections, offering several benefits:

  1. Improved Breathing PatternsGentle tongue exercises can release tension in the jaw and neck, allowing for better airflow and diaphragmatic breathing. This is particularly important in Pilates, where breath supports core engagement.

  2. Postural AlignmentThe position of the tongue can influence head and neck alignment, which in turn affects overall posture. A relaxed and engaged tongue helps balance the cervical spine, reducing tension throughout the body.

  3. Pelvic Floor ActivationThe tongue and pelvic floor have a fascinating connection via the fascial system. Tongue exercises can subtly engage and release the pelvic floor, promoting better function and relaxation.

  4. Stress ReliefThe tongue is directly connected to the parasympathetic nervous system. Releasing tension in the tongue through twisting exercises can help calm the body and reduce stress.

  5. Enhanced Jaw and Neck MobilityTongue twisting can reduce tension in the jaw and neck, improving mobility and comfort in these areas.


How to Practise Tongue Twisting

Here are a few simple tongue exercises to incorporate into your self-care routine:

1. Tongue Circles

  • Sit in a comfortable position with your spine lengthened.

  • Press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth.

  • Slowly draw circles with your tongue in one direction for 10–15 seconds, then reverse.

  • Keep your jaw relaxed and your breath steady.

2. Tongue Stretches

  • Stick your tongue out as far as it will comfortably go.

  • Move it up towards your nose, then down towards your chin, and finally side to side.

  • Perform this slowly and with control, repeating 5–6 times.

3. Tongue Roll and Release

  • Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, then gently roll it back towards your throat.

  • Hold for 3–5 seconds, then release.

  • Focus on how this creates a sense of lift through the base of the tongue and even into the pelvic floor.

4. Tongue Press

  • Press your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth while keeping your jaw relaxed.

  • Hold for 3–5 seconds and release.

  • Notice how this can subtly engage your core and pelvic floor.


Incorporating Tongue Work into Pilates

You can use these exercises as part of your pre-class warm-up or during cool-down to help clients connect more deeply with their breath and core. By reminding clients of the tongue’s influence, you encourage a more holistic approach to alignment and function.

Self-care isn’t just about the big movements. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional actions like tongue twisting that create profound benefits throughout the body. So, give these exercises a try today and notice how they ripple through your Pilates practice – and your overall well-being.

Happy twisting!

Comments


© 2025. MyAcademy.Pro. All Rights Reserved. 

View Our Terms & Conditions and Policies here

bottom of page