1. Stretch is Not the Right Word
It's called the Pilates double leg stretch, but it's more a workout than a stretch, strengthening the muscles of the back, chest and neck. With the full-body benefits, it's no surprise that it's one of the most loved double leg Pilates exercises. Lie on your back and draw your knees to your chest. Inhale and lift your upper body off of the mat and holding your knees. After a full breath, exhale and extend your legs out straight, keeping them a few inches above the ground. In the same movement, extend your straight arms overhead without lowering your upper body. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, come to center, gripping your knees again. Continue this challenging Pilates exercise for the core 5 to 10 times before relaxing to the mat.
2. Keep on Kicking
When it comes to Pilates double leg exercises, the double leg kick is one of the most challenging and works the entire body. Lie face down on your mat with one cheek turned to the side and intertwine your fingers behind your back. Keep your legs together with toes pointed and inhale deeply. As you exhale, engage your abs and lift your legs a few inches off of the mat. Inhale and as you exhale draw your heels to your buttocks. On the next exhale, lower your legs, keeping them lifted slightly off of the ground. In the same movement, lift your upper body as high as you can, turning your chin up. As you lift, push your hands down your back, lifting the arms as well. Inhale and exhale as you lower your upper body and lift your heels to your buttocks again. Repeat 2 or 3 times.
3. Who Needs a Tummy Tuck?
The Pilates double leg raise flattens the tummy, and no surgery required! Sit upright with your legs straight and your toes pointed. Lean back, placing your hands on the mat with fingertips facing your buttocks. As you lean back, make sure that you keep your chest lifted and spine straight. If at any point during the exercise, you feel yourself slouching, push into your hands and bring your upper body a bit further up; however, remember that the further back you lean the better the workout for your abs and core. Inhale deeply and as you exhale, lift both legs together off of the ground, raising them as high as you can without curving your back. Inhale and lower your legs, but don't let them touch the ground. Exhale and lift again, completing 5 to 10 lifts before relaxing your legs back to the mat and taking a moment to rest.
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