- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: C-Shaper (I love using the Balanced Body C-Shaper.)
- Reps: 3-5 each direction and side
- Warning: May not be suitable for some hip or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Single Leg Circles on the C-Shaper
Single Leg Circles, also called One Leg Circles are more challenging than they look on the Mat. Without feedback, it’s easy to hike a hip, hip click or lose the purpose of the Single Leg Circles. Using the Pilates C-Shaper while doing Single Leg Circles will help you find how your leg can work from your center. Allow you to work on your “standing leg” and see with your eyes how your leg works in your hip.
Even though Single Leg Circles is a “tall back” exercise using the C-Shaper to find the longest round shape will help you connect even more to your center. Then switch back to the Mat to do your Single Leg Circle and challenge the feedback the C-Shaper gave you.
Your leg goes as wide to the side as your opposite hip can stay still.
Lay in the C-Shaper and find the longest flexion. Too low on the C-Shaper and you’ll feel like you are slouching. Too high and you’ll feel like you can’t stay connected to the C-Shaper. Bend one knee and press the foot into the mat as you energetically pull it back towards you. Stretch the other leg up to the ceiling or to a high diagonal if you need to make it more accessible. Arms long by your side on the mat or can hold the corners of the C-Shaper.
Breathe into the C-Shaper and create as much length and take up as much space as you can. Circle the straight leg in towards your midline and then down, out to the side up back up to the start. Stop for a quick moment before you repeat. 5 circles then switch directions.
You can go as big as you can maintain connections to the C-Shaper. Switch legs and repeat on the other side.
Then give it a try on the Mat and see if you can feel your legs working from your center.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates C-Shaper workout videos. I want to help you continue your Pilates C-Shaper training!