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Criss Cross (Ab Series 5/5) on the C-Shaper

Home  »  Pilates C-Shaper Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Criss Cross (Ab Series 5/5) on the C-Shaper
  • November 27, 2018
criss cross (ab series 5) on the c shaper online pilates classes
  • Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
  • Equipment Needed: C-Shaper (I love using the Balanced Body C-Shaper.)
  • Reps: 3 sets
  • Warning: May not be suitable for those with low back issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Criss Cross (Ab Series 5/5) on the C-Shaper

Pilates Criss Cross exercise is a great introduction to twisting the spine. However, it’s quite a challenging exercise. Doing Criss Cross in the Pilates C-Shaper is a great place to gain feedback on the length of your spine as you twist and flex the spine. The C-Shaper reveals where you might be sinking on one side or losing flexion. We tend to do the twist from our neck or elbows and not from the waist. If you feel pockets of your back leaving the C-Shaper as you do the Criss Cross you can work on finding them to help better your Pilates Mat

Reach your legs from your center as you twist from your waist!

Typically done after doing Double Straight Leg Stretch on the C-Shaper. Your back finds the placement where you can take up the most space and get the longest flexion. Interlace your hands behind your head and press your head into your hands and hands into your head. Bend both knees into your center. Double check you’re not too low on the C-Shaper. You want the longest round shape not to just be comfortable in the C-Shaper.

Continue to pull one knee into your chest as you stretch the other leg out long. It can go as low as you can still hold onto it from your center. Typically eye level works well. Twist your shoulders over to your bent knee. Feel the length in the side you are twisting to. Use the C-Shaper to give you the feedback. Work your opposite armpit to your knee. Switch your legs as you twist to the other side. Elbows remain wide. It’s tempting to work the elbow to the knee instead of the armpit. Use the C-Shaper to reveal where you have length and strength and where you might be losing it.

After doing this on the full Ab Series on the C-Shaper give it a try on the Mat!

Be sure to check out more of my Pilates C-Shaper workout videos. I want to help you continue your Pilates C-Shaper training!

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, a 2nd generation certified Pilates teacher, breathwork, habits and mindset coach, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorials, where you can also find weekly Pilates classes and workshops. Teaching Pilates since 2008, she has run multiple studios, has trained hundreds of people to become teachers themselves and has taught thousands of students around the world. When not teaching from her studio in Las Vegas, Lesley she’s hosting her podcast Be It Till You See it or traveling the world leading Pilates retreats. Connect with Lesley on Instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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