Pilates Exercises for Lumbar Flexion

As we move throughout our daily life, we need to be able to safely move the spine in all directions.

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
• C-Curve
• Roll Up
• Pelvic Rocking (aka Pelvic Clock 12 to 6)
• Assisted Roll Up
• Roll Over
• Rolling Like a Ball
• Open Leg Rocker

Cadillac / Tower

• Tower
• Monkey
• Roll Down

Reformer

• Short Spine
• Roll Down

Chair

• Tendon Stretch
• Teaser From the Floor

Spine Corrector

• Roll Over
• C-Curve
• Bridging

You'll find detailed instructions and videos of each of these exercises in the Pilates Protocols chapter of the Pilates Encyclopedia member library.