Pilates Mat Move: Climb a Tree!

For today’s Workout Wednesday, Leila Cunningham is mixing it up with some fun moves on the mat. Enjoy the deep stretch on its own, or work it into your usual fitness routine. Let us know what you think in the comments below!  

Benefits: This workout helps stretch your hamstrings and open your back.

Step 1:

Start laying down. Extend your left leg up towards the ceiling while pressing your right leg into the mat.

Step 2:

Use your arms to roll up your upper body towards your extended leg. Pull forehead towards your knee for an extra stretch. Roll back down. Repeat 3 times

Step 3:

Extend your arms in front and roll up your upper body while keeping your leg straight up. Roll back down. Repeat 3 times.

Repeat  all 3 steps with the other leg.

Honest Tip: Keep pressing leg on the ground into the mat using your hamstrings and glutes.

~Leila, FitPilates

Leila Cunningham is a Certified Pilates Instructor based in Los Angeles, California. When she isn’t sharing her knowledge and passion for Pilates at her studio, she’s spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. For more fitness tips and easy exercises, check out her YouTube channel.

This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for health advice. Before undertaking any course of exercise, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.