Cat - cow is delicious warm up and stretch for the spine. It's one of those exercises I think everyone should know. It also happens to be one of the most frequently recommended exercises for back pain. If you want to get technical about it-- cat cow also engages the abs, opens the chest and coordinates with the breath.
You might know this exercise from yoga or other exercise classes, but read these instructions to get a Pilates oriented take on it:
Do Cat - Cow
Related:
Pilates Exercises Help Decrease Back Pain
Why Pilates Works for Back Pain
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photo (c)2010, Marguerite Ogle
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the good work.