Single Leg Stretch – Pilates Exercise

If you are looking for a great way to warm up your core yet challenge yourself look no further than the Single Leg Stretch. This classical Pilates exercise targets the core and helps to create strength and coordination. We love our mat classes and the Single Leg Stretch is always a go to whether at the beginning or advanced level. As the first exercise in the “Stomach Series”, the Single Leg Stretch offers many benefits including targeting the lower abs, which is a trouble area for many. This exercise immediately follows rolling like a ball.

Benefits of Single Leg Stretch

Core Strength
Trunk Stability
Coordination
Enlists the whole body
Encourages complete exhalation

How to Perform Single Leg Stretch

1. Begin lying on your back. Bend your knees towards your center with shins parallel to the floor.

2. Take an inhale and on the exhale scoop your belly by pulling your abs in and curl your head, neck and shoulders towards your knees and lengthen your right leg straight out. Take your right hand to your right ankle and your left hand to your right knee.

3. On the next breath, switch legs and pull the right knee in and straighten the left leg out. Left hand goes on left ankle and right hand on left knee.

4. Deepen your abs with each repetition and maintain your upper body curl. Repeat switching your legs five times per side.