SIDE LEG SERIES
BEGINNING-INTERMEDIATE | 6-10 REPS
STARTING POSITION
The Pilates Arc® provides some interesting variations on
the traditional Side Leg Series on the mat. Three different
positions are used to add challenge and to increase
comfort in these exercises.
Sit sideways in the step with torso on the arc
:
Sit sideways
with the bottom leg in the step and support the torso on
the arc. Bend the bottom knee and straighten the top leg
in line with the torso. Support the head with the bottom
arm.
Balancing on the bottom of the arc:
Remove the step, turn
the arc over and lie sideways on the bottom of the arc with
your greater trochanter (i.e. side of hip) in the groove of the
arc. Place your forearm on the floor with the elbow bent.
This variation is more comfortable for the side of the hip
and creates an extra stability challenge.
Free Hand Positions
Hand on Arc:
Place the free hand on the arc.
Hand behind head:
Place the free hand behind the head.
Both hands behind head:
Place both hands behind the
head (bottom of arc only).
Free Leg Positions
Top leg parallel
Top leg turned out
Side Leg Lifts
MOVEMENT SEQUENCE
Inhale –
Lift the top leg up toward the ceiling, creasing at
the top of the femur without moving the top hip or
shortening the waist. Keep the shoulders and hips
stacked.
Exhale –
Lower the top leg back to the bottom leg.
1. Side Leg Lifts – Starting Position - Parallel
2. External Rotation variation
2. Lift the top leg toward the ceiling
1. Side Leg Series - Starting Position - Parallel - Torso over the arc
Side Leg Circles - Small
MOVEMENT SEQUENCE
Inhale –
Circle the top leg forward and up to the high point
without lifting the top hip up and shortening the
waist. Keep the shoulders, torso and hips still as
the leg moves.
Exhale –
Circle the top leg from the midpoint back and
around to the starting position.
Circle in both directions
Side Leg Circles - Large
MOVEMENT SEQUENCE
Inhale –
Turn the top leg out and circle it forward and up
as high to the side as it will go without lifting the
top hip up and shortening the waist. Keep the
shoulders, torso and hips still as the leg moves.
Exhale –
Circle the top leg back and around to the starting
position.
Circle in both directions
1. Side Leg Circles– Starting Position
3. Circle the top leg up
4. Reach the top leg back
2. Circle the top leg forward
© 2008 Balanced Body Education LLC. All rights reserved.
May not be reproduced in whole or in part.
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PILATES ARC
®
- A DETAILED GUIDE FOR PRACTICING PILATES