*Equipment Needed :     Reformer.

**The positioning for the Pilates Down Stretch is similarly applicable to prone extension exercises. Though not mentioned in this video you’ll find similarities and see a clip at the very end of this video. When prone we talk about pressing the pubic and hip bones down into the ground which is the same as sending the hips forward with glute engagement, and engaging the shoulder stabilizing muscles when lifting the upper body into an extension. So, keep all this in mind with today’s video.

Class Level :     ALL levels.

The Course of this Class :     The Down Stretch is in a series of 3 exercises, this is the second. First we see the Long Stretch and following the Down Stretch we will see the Up Stretch. We will cover 3 main points: 1) The shoulder positioning; 2) The glute engagement; and 3) The body posture, or position, for this exercise. We will talk about how to find this position and especially how to be muscularly engaged so as to feel confident and not unsure in this position. We’ll cover what this exercise is good for as it may seem odd and like something less important, it is actually excellent for opening up the front body which we all desperately need in today’s world. We hope that this explanation today will give you a better handle on the Down Stretch and extension exercises in general.

Pilates depends on certain technical foundations, understanding these better will set you up for success in your practice; protect you from injuring yourself; as well as teach you the best alignment your body can achieve! Plus, practicing with the right form, you’ll get A TON more out of the exercise, your level will increase quickly if you stick to it, and so will your results!

See also these tutorials/how to’s : How To: The Long Stretch, How To: The Up Stretch

How To: Neutral Spine STANDING, How To: Shoulder Positioning, How To: Serve a Tray Series, How To: Pilates Breath the Foundation of it all

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