How to Do the Single Straight Leg Stretch in Pilates: Tips, Technique, Correct Form, Benefits, and Common Mistakes
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Loading... - Finn Meijer
- 30 Jun 2022
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The single straight leg stretch is a more advanced Pilates mat exercise that extends the back of the legs and tests abdominal strength.
This exercise is distinct from the Pilates single leg stretch. However, they both are at the heart of the Pilates series of five sequences, which can be incorporated into any Pilates practice.
It's a fantastic supplement to a flat abs workout as well. Use chest lifts as a warm-up for this move.
This exercise is excellent since it works your stomach and gives you an incredible stretch up the backs of your legs.
How to Do the Single Straight Leg Stretch in Pilates Correctly
Scissors is the alternate name for the third exercise in the stomach series. While targeting the abdominals, it also stretches the back of the legs. You must use speed and control during this exercise.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do the single straight leg stretch properly:
- Start by lying down on the mat, then raise your legs toward the ceiling. In Pilates, the legs and heels are joined and slightly turned outward from the hips.
- On your back, with your head, shoulders, and elbows raised off the mat, hug both knees into your chest.
- Grab your ankle with both hands as you straighten your right leg toward the ceiling. Lengthen your left leg in front of you until it is just barely visible over the mat.
- As you inhale, gently pulse the right leg twice while holding it straight with your hands. As the leg approaches the torso, press your navel even more deeply into the mat.
- Exhale and rapidly "scissor" the straight legs past one another to switch them. Repeat the movement while grabbing the ankle of your left leg and inhaling for the first set and exhaling for the second.
- Spend 30 to 1 minute repeating the exercise, or perform 5 to 12 repetitions on each leg. Combine the single leg stretch with the straight leg raise, bicycle crunches, and t press for a thorough core workout. Read More...
