About Pilates Stretch Band Exercises

Series Summary

Pilates is an exercise system developed by a German man named Joseph Pilates. It was designed to strengthen the body core (which consists of the abdominal muscles, the lower back muscles, hip flexors, and gluteus muscles) in order to prevent back pain, and help with spine alignment and breathing control. Pilates exercises can be done almost anywhere and can be learned quite easily. In this free video series, learn how to combine stretch bands into your Pilates exercises. Our expert, Jeri Ryan, is a national acclaimed Pilates instructor. She shows you how you can add flexibility and strengthen your leg muscles. Jeri shows you how to do simple sitting and standing stretches. So, if you are looking for a way to add to your Pilates workout, learn how to use resistance band exercises.

Video Transcript

"I am going to talk about a series of exercises using the Theraband, also known as the Stretch Band, and leg work. Whenever we are doing legwork, arm work, or any other type of exercise in Pilates, we always want to engage the abs. So, it is not like we are just laying there hanging out with our abs and just moving the legs. The entire body is still working. In picking a Theraband, you want to get several different choices. Therabands come in different thicknesses. And, for example, this one is a very heavy Theraband and I can barely stretch it but it might be really appropriate for a man. They come in different weights. This one is a little bit easier. This one becomes even easier. And, this one even easier. So, you want to get a number of different bands so that the stronger muscles will be challenged, as well as the weaker ones without damaging any muscles. When you pick a Theraband, make sure you get one that is about six feet long. And, these are not but, six feet will give you enough room to be able to work your legs."