How To: Stretch the legs with a pilates single leg exercise

Pilates is great for strengthening and toning the body. This piltes how-to video illustrates the Single Leg Stretch exercise. It targets the transversus abdominus, rectus abdominus, obliques, scapular stabilizers and hip stabilizers.

Focus on maintaining an abdominal brace to keep legs lifted and moving without allowing the lumbar spine to extend (should remain neutral or in imprint). Maintain contraction of the obliques to keep the pelvis from rotating as the legs move, and keep the shoulders stabilized. If you feel strain in your neck, support the head with your hands or release the head to the floor. Practice this pilates single leg exercise at home.