8-Minute Workout: Pilates for a Longer, Leaner Look

Comments (8)
Print

Pages in this Story:

Spine Stretch Forward

Minutes 2:00-4:00

Targets: Back, Abdominals

Sit with arms and legs extended.
Inhale and sit up tall; exhale and reach forward over legs.
Curl head, neck, and shoulders forward, scooping navel toward spine. (Think of bending over a beach ball, not bending at the waist.)
Inhale; hold for 1 count.
Exhale; deepen abdominal scoop.
Inhale, rolling up to sit.
Repeat.

Next: Seated Spine Twist

What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.

Related Links

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Email Address:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

What do you think? Review this story! >

mojganzaribaf wrote:

Marvellous! thanks for your nice suggestions.sweet and terse, which we all need during these days.

6/28/2012 08:42:22 AM Report Abuse

anibabakhan1983 wrote:

greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat

5/19/2012 03:30:45 PM Report Abuse

a3984502 wrote:

A few months ago I started reading Brilliant Yoga: The Complete Guide to Upgrading Your Body and Life by Sarah Sanders. It helped me discover the amazing benefits of yoga: increased flexibility, stress relief, toned muscles, improved sense of health and well being and so many more. It also helped me lose weight! You can find more info here: http://goodlifefitness.org/yoga

5/9/2012 04:33:42 AM Report Abuse

natdalton7 wrote:

I love Pilates. I am taking a Pilates class in Boulder and I love it. (http://www.pinnaclephysicaltherapyboulder.com)

1/27/2012 05:23:24 PM Report Abuse

paulawalsh4 wrote:

I feel the model is performing the exercise with hyperextension of lumbar spine NOT a true reflection of how a normal client should look performing this exercise....this will lead to the move being performed incorrectly and UNSAFE.I have never heard of swan being performed with legs together....far too much strain on lumbar

1/17/2012 03:32:51 PM Report Abuse