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May
02
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Double Straight Leg Stretch
Purpose: The fourth exercise in the Stomach Series targets the powerhouse to the extreme. Lie on your back with hands behind your lifted head; one on top of the other, (not interlaced); elbows wide. Extend your legs straight to the ceiling, heels together and toes turned out slightly, squeeze inner thighs, sink navel toward spine. [...]
Apr
04
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Single Straight Leg Stretch or Scissors
Purpose: The third exercise in the Stomach Series is also known as Scissors. It provides additional stretch in the back of legs while working the abdominals. This exercise requires you to move quickly and with control. Lie on your back and hug both knees into your chest, head and shoulders curled off the mat, elbows [...]
Mar
05
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Double Leg Stretch
Purpose: As the second exercise in the Stomach Series, Double Leg Stretch continues to challenge your coordination, work the powerhouse and stretch your body. Lie on your back and hug both knees into your chest, hands reaching toward ankles, head and shoulders lifted off mat. Inhale and reach the arms overhead back by your ears [...]
Feb
17
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Single Leg Stretch
Purpose: This exercise strengthens the abdominals and the buttocks and improves coordination. Sit in the center of your mat with your knees bent. Hug your right leg and pull it in to your chest with your inside hand on the knee and your outside hand on the ankle. Roll your back down to the mat, [...]
Feb
06
Improve Your Skiing and Snowboarding with Pilates
It’s ski season—ah…the pure joy of skiing down a mountainside of sparkling powder, surrounded by tall evergreens and brilliant blue sky…… Then, after that first day of tackling moguls, dodging trees and other skiers; the fatigue and soreness of the legs and hips kick in. This is partly because of muscle overuse and lack of [...]
Jan
05
Pilates Exercise of the Month: The Seal
Purpose: To massage the spinal muscles, work the powerhouse; test balance and coordination. It is often done at or near the end of a mat routine. Sit at the front of your mat with knees bent to your chest and heels together. Open your knees to shoulder width. Reach your hands through your legs to [...]
Dec
13
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Side Kick Kneeling
Purpose: This advanced exercise concentrates on the waistline and hips. Emphasis is also on balance and coordination. Begin in a kneeling position. You should be centered on the mat, facing the long edge of mat. Place one palm down on mat directly under your shoulder and in align with your hips. Fingers pointing away from [...]
Oct
28
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Teaser 1
Purpose: Humorously referred to as “the mother of all sit-ups”, the Teaser tests your powerhouse control to the fullest. At the peak of the exercise, momentarily hold the position, “teasing” the balance. Lie on your back with legs extended at a 45 degree angle. Heels are together and toes turned out slightly. Stretch your arms [...]
Sep
27
Pilates Exercise of the Month: Swimming
Purpose: This advanced exercise lengthens the stomach muscles while strengthening the back muscles. Lie on your stomach, arms extend overhead, palms down. Squeeze the backs of legs together, slightly turn feet outward. Inhale, pulling navel up into your spine, lift your head; then your right arm and left leg off the mat. Switch arms and [...]
Sep
05
Pilates Exercise of the Month: The Saw
Purpose: To improve flexibility in your hamstrings, develop strength in the low back and work your waistline. Sit tall, with your legs extended. Open them slightly wider than your hips; feet flexed. Reach your arms out to the side (T position). Imagine you are reaching to touch both sides of the room. Inhale, pull your [...]
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