- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Guillotine
- Reps: 3 each direction
- Warning: Not ideal for some back, hip or shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Leg Circles with the Guillotine
Pilates Leg Circles can be found on almost every piece of Pilates equipment. But Leg Circles on the Guillotine might be the hardest of all the Leg Circles. Similar to the leg circles on the Cadillac, these circles challenge your grip, your strength, and your stamina. If you focus too much on the choreography, you’ll swing everywhere. But, go too slow and you’ll burnout and need to take a break. Focus less on how big your circles are and instead focus on where you’re moving from.
Go only as high as your legs are straight and reaching from your center.
Reach up for the top bar and wrap your hands around it. Hands can be shoulder-width or slightly wider. If needed, stand on the bottom run so you can reach the bar. Legs reaching long and hugging together. Work the heels together and the toe slightly apart. Arms are straight but working from your back, so you are not hanging off your shoulders.
From your center, bring your legs up as high as you can, open them as they circle around and together. Repeat 2-3x and then reverse directions.
Ideally, you are not swinging your body back and forth as your legs circle.
If going well and stamina is strong, circle the legs up to transition into Sit Ups. Or, carefully let go of the bar to stand up on the floor.
Be sure to check out more of my Guillotine workout videos. I want to help you continue your Guillotine training!
