Earlier this week I wrote about a few bad habits people get into in their rolling exercises.  Naturally now we have to take one in depth.

I chose open leg rocker this week because you really have to keep the shape to make it work. And, the big thing is that it's the breath and the abdominal muscles combined with the curved shape that make it roll. Open leg rocker also has a nice little balance piece at the start and end. This is a classic Pilates mat exercise and unless you have back or neck issues, you can try it.

Learn Open Leg Rocker

Not doing rolling exercises? Do Open Leg Balance

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{image: open leg balance, set up for open leg rocker. Courtesy of Peak Pilates}

We love our rolling* exercises in Pilates. If you do them right, using your breath and abdominal muscle control rather than momentum, they feel amazing and give your abs a real workout. Also, rolling stimulates the spine, circulation, and breath.

But, it really takes a lot of determination for some of us to roll well. And in the process, I have to say there are some, well, ways to cheat. Of course, they only keep us from getting the full benefits of the exercise. In my observations there are three classes of Pilates roll cheaters: Read More...

Not long ago one of our Pilates Forum members posted a request for side scissors exercise.  They were wondering why the instructions weren't already on this site. Considering there are literally well over a hundred  free exercise instructions here I really don't know how I skipped side scissors, I say,  a little red-faced.

I like side scissors. It's fun -- you kinda have to cop an attitude to do it well. Side scissors makes you stabilize with your whole Pilates powerhouse -- abs, butt, back, thighs -- and you have to get a flowing hip flexion and extension going at the same time without disturbing your form. Try it.

Learn Pilates Side Scissors

Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{model: Susie Haggas, (c)2012, Marguerite Ogle}

Deciding to go for Pilates instructor training is a big decision, and an exciting one. The best advice I can give you is to do as much research as you can upfront. I have written quite a bit  about instructor training here at pilates.about.com.  Now I have even more resources for you -- videos. How cool is that? Read More...