Side stretch is one of my favorite Pilates exercises. It builds strength and endurance. It increases flexibility. And it makes you work your inner thighs along with your shoulder stability, arms and powerhouse. Side stretch is a balance challenge that makes you check your alignment and pull up through your midline non-stop.
Side stretch takes side plank into a side bend and stretch. And page 4, side stretches on Pilates equipment shows you how this exercise evolves so be sure to see that after you learn the exercise:
Set up
- Begin sitting sideways with your legs folded to the side. Put your top foot on the floor in front of the other, heel to toe. Release tension in your hips so that you are seated with deep creases at your hips. The sit bone of your your top hip drops toward the mat (it might not get all the way there, that's OK).
- Place your supporting hand on the mat in line with your hip and a few inches past your shoulder.
