Pilates: Double Leg Stretch

Step 1: To prepare

Let's begin by looking at the action of the arms. Imagine you have a hat on your head, now with both hands, take the hat off, reaching it above your head and then circle both arms back down to your sides.

Now to prepare for the exercise, lie down on your mat with your knees bent, arms relaxed by your sides and back in imprint.

Then gently pick one foot off the floor followed by the other.

Step 2: The exercise

Inhale, lengthen the back of your neck then as you exhale flex your upper body off the mat.

Now inhale reaching your arms over your head and stretching your legs to a diagonal then exhale as you circle your arms round and bend your knees in. Inhale stretch the arms and legs to the diagonal and exhale to bring them back in again.

Repeat this 6 times concentrating on keeping your shoulders down and abdominals firm throughout.

When you finish, relax your upper body, legs and arms back down onto the mat.