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Core – Long Plank Series (ep 006)
A precursor to the true Pilates exercise Leg Pull Front, the Long Plank Series is a great addition to any Pilates workout as it targets the body part most often overlooked in Pilates exercises – arms! Yes, Joseph Pilates himself had great arms, but most of the Pilates exercises that strengthen and tone the arms are Advanced Pilates exercises and too challenging for the Pilates beginner. Because the true Pilates exercise Leg Pull Front involves a lot of coordination, the Long Plank Series breaks down the movement into simple, strengthening moves to make your Pilates workout effective – without frills!
The Long Plank Series is for Pilates beginners and advanced Pilates practitioners alike. Pilates exercises in the long plank position help strengthen the scapula stabilizers, the core and the arms. Also, make sure you energize your legs throughout your Pilates workout to make sure the legs don’t get left out of any exercises! When performing this exercise for the first time, however, the most important thing for the Pilates beginner to remember is to keep the torso and spine in neutral while lifting the legs. More advanced Pilates practitioners can challenge themselves by seeing how high they can lift the leg without changing the shape of the spine. Just remember the goal is not the height, but the stability of the torso and spine!
Joseph Pilates always said Pilates exercises are about quality not quantity: so make these count! Before you attempt the true Pilates exercise Leg Pull Front, make sure you practice the Long Plank Series so that your quality is the best it can be.
