Pilates Exercise of the Day!

Double Leg Stretch

Aim:

• Strengthen and lengthen your legs and hip joint
• To strengthen your abdominals
• To mobilaze the shoulder joint
• To co-ordinate breathing, arm and leg movement with abdominal control

Starting position:

Lie on your back on the floor, knees comfortably bent to chest at a table top position and slightly apart, toes pointed and hands on your knees.

Movement:

With both legs bent pull your lower legs in with your hands and lift your head, neck and shoulders.

Inhale: while inhaling keep your chin to your chest, simultaneiusly reach your arms overhead and extend your legs at a 90 degree angle.
Keep stomach muscles nice and tight.

Exhale: While exhaling slowly sweep your arms out to the side keeping them close to the mat while bending your knees and returning your arms and legs to starting position.

Repeat 5 times.


Keep checking for Stage 2 of the double leg stretch.