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How to Do Double Leg Stretch Pilates Exercise

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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The Double Leg Stretch Pilates exercise demands upper body strength and endurance. You must focus on your breathing throughout the entire exercise without dropping your upper body to the ground. Low abdominal strength will show during this exercise. Follow these steps to do the Double Leg Stretch Pilates exercise.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Lie flat on your back with your knees bent up to your chest. Your shins should be parallel to the floor. This is called table top position.

  2. Step 2

    Pick up the ball. Place the ball over your shins holding it there lightly with both hands.

  3. Step 3

    Curve your upper body upward and off of the floor inhaling as you do this. Pull your forehead to your knees.

  4. Step 4

    Exhale and uncurl your body reaching your arms above your head and legs straight out. Your lower back and bottom should still be pressed to the mat. Don't let your arms or legs drop below chest level.

  5. Step 5

    Pull back in to the center in the table top position. Use your abdominal muscles to pull your legs in. Bring the ball back over your head and touch it to your shins.

  6. Step 6

    Repeat the Double Leg Stretch Pilates exercise 6 times and work your way up to 10 repetitions.

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't let your head or shoulders drop for the entire exercise.
  • If you have a weak neck, stack some pillows beneath your head.
  • Start with the Single Leg Stretch before proceeding to the Double Leg Stretch.

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