PILATESOLOGY ENCYCLOPEDIA
Down Stretch
LEVEL
Intermediate
SETUP
2 springs, Footbar up, Headpiece up
REPETITIONS
3x
GOALS & BENEFITS
- Strengthens hip, glute and hamstrings in extension
- Breathing exercise focused on expelling stale air from lungs
- Teaches how to engage Powerhouse in extension
- Opens chest while connecting arms to center
TIPS & CUES
- Press out & Inhale slowly, exhale slowly and completely on way in, forcing out stale air
- Anchor toes on mat and heels firmly against shoulder blocks
- Keep Powerhouse lifted to protect lower back
- Rotate bottom of pelvis toward footbar throughout to encourage hip extension
