Double Leg Stretch
Hold the straps in the hands with the elbows straight.
MOVEMENT SEQUENCE
Inhale –
Straighten the legs and reach the arms up
overhead without changing the curve of the upper
body or the position of the lower back. The legs
can straighten up toward the ceiling or be parallel
to the floor depending on the strength of the
abdominals and the stability of the pelvis and
lower back. Only lower the legs as far as you can
without changing the position of the lower back.
Exhale –
Draw the legs into the chest and sweep the arms
around to return to the starting position.
Repeat 3 to 4 times.
Criss Cross
Hold the straps in the hands with the elbows straight and
reach one leg out straight and parallel to the floor to begin.
MOVEMENT SEQUENCE
Exhale –
Rotate the torso and reach the arms toward the
bent knee keeping the elbows wide and lifting the
upper body slightly off the Arc.
Inhale –
As you return the torso to the center and switch
the legs.
Exhale –
Rotate the torso to the other side and reach the
arms toward the bent knee keeping the elbows
wide and lifting the upper body slightly off the
Arc.
Repeat 6 to 10 times to each side.
1. Double Leg Stretch - Starting Position
2. Reach the arms and the legs up toward the ceiling
3. Return to the starting position
1. Criss Cross - Starting Position
2. Bend the left knee in and rotate the torso to the left bringing both
arms across the midline
CUEING AND IMAGERY
ƫ
Keep your low back stable throughout the sequence.
•
Imagine you are holding a glass of your favorite drink on
your abdomen and don’t spill it.
•
Instructor cue: monitor the low back to make sure it
stays still throughout the exercise sequence.
ƫ
Pull the abdominals in more deeply with every repetition.
•
Don’t let the abdominals rise!
ƫ
Keep the head and upper body in the same position
throughout the exercise.
•
Imagine you are holding an orange between your chin
and your chest.
ƫ
Keep the shoulders down and the neck long.
PURPOSE
ƫ
Develop pelvic stability and core control
ƫ
Strengthen the abdominals
ƫ
Increase the flexibility of the hamstrings
PRECAUTIONS
For low back injuries:
Maintain stability or avoid.
Avoid with neck and shoulder injuries
Avoid with osteoporosis.
© 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