Pilates Cleveland

March Matness Day 14: The Saw

The Saw focuses on rotating through your spine and promotes flexibility for your lower back and shoulders. The obliques are the stars of the exercise all your movement should stem from the internal and external obliques. Sitting tall through your sit bones try to 'saw' your small toe off with your pinky finger. Reach your arm as far forward as possible and use those abdominals to maintain your control. 4 to 6 repetitions

March Matness Day 12: Open Leg Rocker

Similar to roll like a ball, except this time around we keep our legs as straight as possible and we use our powerhouse throughout the movement for balance and control. Don't FORCE yourself into the roll back but instead guide your spine onto the mat and try to lengthen your spine and legs out from your pelvis. Big deep breaths will help! 5 to 8 repetitions

March Matness Day 9: Double straight leg stretch
Today we torch those lower abdominals and keep our focus on flexibility. I have always stressed that with out flexibility you will not see progress and this exercise proves that point. Focus on controlling the stability in your pelvis throughout the movement and do not allow your lower back to extend off the ground. Flexing your feet will make the exercise harder. 4 to 8 repetitions.

March Matness Day 6: Single Bent leg stretch
Get ready to feel those abs! Single Bent leg stretch is all about pelvic control and abdominal strength. Some important tips to remember, Do not rock you torso as you switch legs. BREATHING is uber important to get a nice smooth flow between switching legs and remember to squeeze your abdominals as tight as possible when you bring your knee into your chest. Try to do at least 8 to 12 repetitions. Go get it!