Do you speak Pilates? In Pilates classes and videos, some common terms pop up again and again. Maybe it's a certain bone or muscle. You know you've heard of it, but where is it again? 

Maybe when the teacher says to find a "prone" position you look around to see what everyone else doing? No...

Roll over is a fun exercise to mobilize the spine into flexion. When the legs are overhead, you get a wonderful stretch in your hamstrings and the muscles that run along your spine. As you slowly lower your spine back down, you’re building abdominal strength and control. 

To perform...

Supine Leg Springs is also called Leg Spring Series Supine or Feet in Straps. This series is a great way to improve hip mobility. It activates the hip extensors (glutes and hamstrings) which allow the hip flexors to release. 

One of the most important factors to effectively strengthen your...

Standing Arm Work Facing Out strengthens the shoulder stabilizers and arms. It also improves core control by strengthening the oblique abdominals. 

But we can't get any of these benefits if we lose control of the movement.

How do you know if control is lost? Allowing the momentum of...

Hanging Pull-Ups is a rare example of an exercise that’s not as difficult as it looks. Many students ooh and aaah when they see someone else do it and are super proud when they can do it themselves.

Perhaps it's when we get caught up in the fun of the exercise that proper shoulder alignment...

Teaser, the classic Pilates exercise, is a fantastic abdominal strengthener. Practicing it on the Spine Corrector is a great stepping stone to the more difficult versions, like on the mat. 

A common mistake in this exercise is the lower back arching. (Don't confuse this with the upper...

Swimming on the Spine Corrector contributes to Pilates' good reputation for improving posture. It strengthens the upper back and spinal extensors and improves shoulder positioning. What does that mean for you? A tall, open, and confident posture!

But sometimes getting into the...

Isn't it confusing when teachers use different names for the same exercise or the same name for different exercises?

We want to help you find the information you need quickly. Name confusion shouldn't have to slow you down! At the beginning of each chapter, you'll now find a list of Alternative...

Footwork Straddle on the Chair is also called Seated Leg Pumps-Side Sit, V-Sit, Pumping, or Footwork.

Add this exercise into your routine to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and external hip rotators. This variation is also great for strengthening the core (especially your...

To a person unfamiliar with Pilates, Supine Scapular Series can seem like one of those “I’m not doing anything” exercises. This is due to its small range and deep focus on details.

Getting the details just right helps to improve awareness of your shoulder alignment, scapula...