- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: 2x4
- Reps: 3-5 each direction
- Warning: Not ideal for some foot or ankle issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Parallel & Turned Out with the 2×4
Pilates requires your feet to be part of the exercise. There are exercises where the feet are pointed, flexed or point then flex. It’s easy when doing Pilates to think that this is simply choreography. However, the position of the feet adds to the exercise connections. Sometimes you need to learn the connections. That is where the 2×4 comes in. Learn how to connect the feet to the seat and entire body in parallel on the Pilates 2×4. Need to practice in Pilates V (turned out)? Check out the other variation.
Focus less on how high your heels can go. Instead, focus on how even the weight spread across each foot.
Using your Pilates 2×4 place the balls of your feet on the 2×4 a hips distance apart. Heels will touch or reach to the floor. Hands can be by your side, on your hips, interlaced behind your head or using a wall for balance. Reach your tailbone towards the heels. Lift up tall.
Working your heels down and maintaining parallel feet and legs bend your knees. Hold your knees bent and lift your heels. With heels up straighten your legs. Once legs are straight lower heels. Repeat 3x. Then reverse. Lift heels. Then with heels lifted bend your knees. Holding your knees bent reach your heels down. Then straighten your legs. Repeat 3x.
If you feel you’ve got the hang of it and want to practice the Single Leg version give it a try.
Be sure to check out more of my 2×4 workout videos. I want to help you continue your 2×4 training!
