Calling all Mermaids!

Here is another lovely movement from the Pilates repertoire that you can do at home, comfortably seated in your chair: Sidebends! When you sit sideways in Pilates, it is referred to as “Mermaid”. I always think of a mermaid seated on top of a coral reef, with her tailfin out to the side. Maybe brushing your hair? Anyway, go ahead and sit sideways on your chair. Hips and Shoulders are square to the direction you are facing. Take your outside leg and extend it slightly behind you, in parallel, toes flexed, heel lifted. Reach your outside arm (same arm as extended leg) and reach over into a sidebend.

TIP: Keep everything in alignment, head stacked over ribs, stacked over pelvis.

BONUS TIP: Keep your pelvis scooped so that your hip stays open. Keep your chest lifted so your spine is as long as it can be. This will provide you with the deepest side stretch. Good luck!