How to Strengthen Your Back with Pilates
Prepare for the Cat Stretch., Inhale to prepare., Inhale and stay., Repeat this four times.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Prepare for the Cat Stretch.
This Pilates exercise will be performed in four breaths.
You will inhale deeply through the nose to prepare, aiming the breath towards the back of the rib cage and exhale deeply through the mouth.
Start by positioning yourself on all fours on your mat or towel.
Adjust your hands so they rest directly under your shoulders and avoid overextending your elbows.
Have your knees directly under your hips.
Have your spine in a neutral position.
Your neck needs to follow this line naturally. -
Step 2: Inhale to prepare.
As you begin to exhale, think of flattening the abdominal region; imagine gently pulling your belly button towards your spine.
Pull in your lower abdominal muscles and curl the lower back, middle back and upper back towards the ceiling.
Relax your neck at the end.
Picture an 'angry cat'. , As you exhale, reverse the movement, articulating back from the neck, upper back, middle back and lower back, returning to neutral without losing the control in the abdominals. , Always concentrate on curling up and down through the centre of the spine. -
Step 3: Inhale and stay.
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Step 4: Repeat this four times.
Detailed Guide
This Pilates exercise will be performed in four breaths.
You will inhale deeply through the nose to prepare, aiming the breath towards the back of the rib cage and exhale deeply through the mouth.
Start by positioning yourself on all fours on your mat or towel.
Adjust your hands so they rest directly under your shoulders and avoid overextending your elbows.
Have your knees directly under your hips.
Have your spine in a neutral position.
Your neck needs to follow this line naturally.
As you begin to exhale, think of flattening the abdominal region; imagine gently pulling your belly button towards your spine.
Pull in your lower abdominal muscles and curl the lower back, middle back and upper back towards the ceiling.
Relax your neck at the end.
Picture an 'angry cat'. , As you exhale, reverse the movement, articulating back from the neck, upper back, middle back and lower back, returning to neutral without losing the control in the abdominals. , Always concentrate on curling up and down through the centre of the spine.
About the Author
Nancy Jimenez
Writer and educator with a focus on practical organization knowledge.
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