1. Health

Discuss in my forum

The Pilates Roll Up Exercise Instructions in Detail

By , About.com Guide

Updated January 10, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Exhale
pilates roll up

exhale to continue the roll up

courteys of Kolesar Studios

Deepen the scoop of the abdominals as you exhale. Knit your ribs together in front, and in one smooth motion, roll your body in an "up and over" motion toward your toes.
Your gaze will be down as you keep your head in line with the curve of the spine. Your shoulders stay down with the scapula settled on the back.

While you are curving your whole spine from both ends, do not tuck your pelvis too much here. That will make it hard to get up, and make your feet fly up instead of your upper body.

Reach for your toes. Keep your form: Your legs are straight, your abs are pulled in, your spine is long, your chest is open and your shoulders are down (not slammed down, just down).

It is an acceptable modification to allow the legs to bend slightly.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.