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Beginner Pilates Exercises

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 09, 2009

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11. Mermaid

pilates pictureby Peter Kramer, courtesy of Kolesar Studios(c)2006
Muscular focus: side stretch

Tips: Keep your body flat as you stretch sideways, as if you are between two sheets of glass. Keep the hip on your stretching side down.

12. Swan Prep

Pilates Mat Exercisescourtesy of Peak Pilates
Muscular focus: back extensors, abdominal stretch

Tips: Swan provides a wonderful counter stretch to the many forward flexion exercises that we do in Pilates.

13. Wall Roll Down

pilates picture(c)2007, Marguerite Ogle
Muscular focus: abdominals, back and hamstring stretch

Tips: Use this exercise as a transition from doing your Pilates routine to carrying good posture into your daily life.
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