As we move throughout our daily life, we need to be able to safely move the spine in all directions. In the Pilates Protocols chapter of the Pilates Encyclopedia, you’ll find a list of exercises that move the lumbar spine into flexion.
The biggest benefit of lumbar flexion is the activation of the abdominal wall by bringing pubic bone and navel closer together as well as lengthening of the iliopsoas, which often acts as compensation muscle for abdominal strength.
Here are a few to get you started:
Mat
- Bridging
Trapeze Table
- Tower
Reformer
- Short Spine
Chair
- Tendon Stretch
Spine Corrector
- Roll over
