Ever wonder how high to curl up when lifting your head and chest during your Pilates exercises? Or, maybe you are struggling to find the length? Do you ever feel like you're simply not doing your Pilates exercises correctly? Whether you are super flexible and looking for strength in your Pilates practice or tight and looking for the stretch, getting into the C-Shaper and finding the longest "round" shape will change your entire Pilates practice. And, if you're wanting to up-level your 100 on the Mat or Reformer get into a C-shaper and you will see where you skip in connecting to your center and equipment.

When you lay back into your C-shaper, you do want to be aware of slouching too much into your body to create a "round" shape. Think of your tailbone to the crown of your head taking up as much space in your C-shaper as possible. So, spread your back as long down and up the C-shaper. You should feel so much length in the front of your body and in the back of your body. This position is key for all of the exercises in this C-shaper series. You may need to slide up the C-shaper or down the C-shaper to find the right position for you.

There are two options for your legs in this exercise. You can bend both knees and keep your feet flat on the mat or you can take both legs and send them to the high diagonal. You want to choose the one that helps you remain connected to the C-shaper. If you feel your legs pull you off your equipment lift them higher or set your feet on the mat. Take your arms long by your side and pump your arms up and down as you inhale for five pumps and exhale for five pumps. Do this for 10 breaths. Notice what part of your back wants to come on and off the C-shaper! This is the spot you are disconnecting from in most of your flexion exercises.