PILATESOLOGY ENCYCLOPEDIA
Elephant
LEVEL
Basic
SETUP
2 springs, Footbar up, Headpiece up
Repetitions
5x
Goals & Benefits
- Foundational exercise, builds strength in c-curve with body in space
- Stretches back of legs & feet while strengthening front of legs
- Teaches to initiate from Powerhouse instead of limbs
- Great for building control throughout body
Tips & Cues
- Keep carriage closed during transition from previous exercise
- Grip footbar with thumbs and fingers together, keep wrists straight
- Press heels down while lifting toes up, lift muscles in quads to engage front of leg
- Use box against shoulder blocks (or move feet forward) for students under 5'2"
- Advanced variations include: Elephant 1 Leg, Arabesques & Dip
