By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc.

0

No products in the cart.

40 Days for $40 Let’s Get Started!

Leg Pull Back on the Mat

Home  »  Pilates Mat Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Leg Pull Back on the Mat
  • January 6, 2019
Table of Contents
mat leg pull back online pilates classes
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Equipment Needed: Mat (The mat shown in this video is the Contrology Folding Mat.)
  • Reps: 3 each side
  • Warning: Be mindful if you tend to lock your knees.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Leg Pull Back on the Mat

Some exercises are better in pairs and the Leg Pulls are one of those dynamic duos! This is the second half of the pairing on the Pilates Mat and requires more than you might think. First, if you tend to hyperextend your knees, give them a little softening and then press your heels into the mat more as you curl your tail towards your heels and lift your seat higher. You will be tempted to skip this bad boy for another exercise. But, the more you focus on what’s holding you up the stronger you’ll be on the Reformer and other places in the Pilates studio.

Soften your knees and elbows. Hold yourself up from your backside!

Typically you would go from being in the plank to magically being in your Leg Pull Front. Ok, so maybe it’s not magic but a few carefully choreographed movements. From your Leg Pull take one hand to the other hand then cross that same foot in front of the other. Stand on the hand you moved, press into your feet to lift your seat and then flip over! Land on both hands, adjust your feet and then reach your seat to your heels as you lift your hips up. Look straight ahead and feel whats touching the mat. Meet your mat and lift your hips.

Once you feel you are set up in your back and your seat, press into one leg lift the other one. Set it down and repeat on the other side. If you go to lift a leg but feel like your body couldn’t support you lifting a leg then keep both legs down and then talk yourself through the movement. Press into your right foot and imagine picking up your left leg. Then repeat on the other side. One day your seat will be strong enough for you to lift a leg and switch. When you are done kicking or thinking about kicking do not rest. Get ready for your Kneeling Side Kick!

Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Mat exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Mat training!

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

1a spine-corrector-silhouette - Online Pilates Classes
Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers
LEARN MORE
1a wunda-chair-silhouette - Online Pilates Classes
Enjoying Lesley's teaching style? Willing to travel? Explore the world while maintaining your practice by joining Lesley on a Pilates retreat.
LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support. By watching this video, you agree to our Terms and Conditions, which you can read here:https://opc.me/tc

YOU’VE FOUND OPC!

Here you’ll discover a vibrant community and space for Pilates workouts, tutorials, and movement for life. Join us for mat, reformer Pilates, and workouts / workshops with the Pilates tower, Wunda Chair and more, taught by Lesley Logan and other talented Pilates teachers. We’re happy you’re here 💋

New classes, blogs, and free tutorials post every week!

READ HOW OPC GOT STARTED

MEET THE TEAM

welcome opc teachers online pilates classes

INTRO TO PILATES

intro to pilates onlinepilatesclasses.com

JOIN A MEMBERSHIP

opc membership

OPC MERCH

OPC Pittie Pilates Mat yellow bandana (3) - Online Pilates Classes

PILATES RETREATS

Pilates-Retreat-Bali-Ubud-Aug-30-Sep-4-2020 - Online Pilates Classes

MOST POPULAR BLOGS

  1. Full Pilates Reformer Order and How to Do Each Exercise
  2. 20 Minute Wall Pilates Workout
  3. Pilates Mat Exercises and Order
  4. Pilates Exercises You Can Do at the Wall
  5. Pilates: Is it a Cardio Workout?
  6. How to Build Your Home Pilates Studio (For Everyone, Not Just Teachers)
  7. How to Do Reformer Pilates Without a Reformer

2 comments

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Products

Resources

Free Pilates Tutorials

Company

Help

Most fitness programs promise all the things, but actually deliver a whole lot less.

  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo

© 2025 Online Pilates Classes LLC, All Rights Reserved.

30-minute Mat Classes (6x)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Mat class from one of our teachers.
Value: $144

30-Minute Reformer Classes (x6)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers..
Value: $144

50-Minute LIVE Mat Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Mat class from one of our teachers, and we invite you to join us LIVE for the filming of it.
Value: $159

50-Minute Reformer Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Cadillac Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Cadillac class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Chair Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Chair class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

Members-Only Community Access
Join the most inclusive, supportive, and encouraging community of Pilates enthusiasts just like you. No "Pilates Police" allowed!
Value: $120

Form Feedback Fridays
Every Friday our teaching team responds to member questions! We're the only online Pilates membership that offers direct feedback on your form!
Value: $228

Mobile App
Access everything in your membership directly from your phone! Take class, chat in the community, find new tutorial videos, listen to podcast episodes... all the things!
Value: $100

Recommended Workout Schedule
We've put together a recomended workout schedule for you to get you rolling.
Value: $20

Members-Only Perks
Members get access to our reading/equipment recomendations, special offers/deals, and more.
Value: $40

mask group 8

Rachel Piper

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone!

Let's Get Started
mask group 10

Yasmin Scholten

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started
mask group 9

Tami-Adrian George

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone!

Let's Get Started
mask group 6

Mindi Westfall

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone!

Let's Get Started
mask group 7

Megan Lauman

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone!

Let's Get Started
mask group 5

Lesley Logan

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone!

Let's Get Started
mask group 4

Christine Kam-Lynch

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone!

Let's Get Started

SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

AROUND THE CLOCK

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Around The Clock exercise. This exercise is a combination of the double leg stretch, and rolling like a ball. There’s 2 versions I know of:

Joe’s version is named: A Commando Exercise.
Romana’s version is named: Businessman’s Lunch.

The difference? In Joe’s variation, the legs extend only to the even numbers of the clock and the back gets a nice massage as it passes the odd numbers of the clock. The arms reach for the sides of the hips; no reach overhead. In Romana’s variation, it is performed with the legs extending and the arms reaching overhead to each hour of the clock.

The similarity? Both variations are to be performed clockwise and counter-clockwise in less than a minute.

Let’s explore this piece of history, and practice each one to see which is your favorite! Check out Joe's brochure here: https://marchmatness.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/a-commando-exercise-by-joseph-pilates/

See you in class,
Christine

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a pole, weights and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

MEET ME ON THE EQUINOX

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

No matter where you live in the world there is a moment in Spring/Fall where day and night are almost equal. Pilates exercises ask us to work our opposition equally. Our down reach (lower half) and our up reach (upper half) are like night and day. So, as this week falls on the equinox, I thought it would be fun to focus on if we are working equally. Or if night or day are pulling us more in one direction.

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

A CURIOUS LITTLE MERMAID

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Have you ever tried to stack your legs while doing Mermaid and immediately sank or even fell over a bit (or completely)? No, just me? Like, why is it so hard to stay upright??

We know all bodies are different and we celebrate it here at OPC! So, let’s get curious this month.

We’ll explore what happens when we intentionally create some space in our side waists in different exercises using different pieces of equipment and props. Since there are fewer exercises that focus on the side body we’ll use our curious concept in all the different body shapes we make: Flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending!

At the end of each workout, we’ll see how this curious concept of keeping space between the lowest rib and the top of the hip has prepared us to defy gravity and get into Mermaid a little more confidently.

Props needed:
Mat - Magic Circle for a few exercises
Reformer - Magic Circle
Tower/Cadillac - Reformer box or a stable chair that is about the height of the Tower or Cadillac mat!
Chair - A mat is optional

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

RUNNING UP THAT HILL

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

Feeling strong enough to run up a hill is a great feeling…whether you have any intention of ever doing that or not! But it’s not just the legs that have to be strong for hill climbing. This month we’ll focus on how our core and upper body help our legs to power through any challenge!

Props needed:
Mat: Pole
Reformer: Weight & Ball
Tower/Cadillac: No props
Wunda Chair: Non-slipping pad, 1 yoga block, Mat (not necessary if the Wunda Chair stands on a carpet)

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

WEIGHT WHAT??

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

It's my bday week! I'm turning 42 and in my research to find a song or something epic around 42 I found quite a few things. In the intro's of class I explain some of them. But one I found was that Rainbows start at 42 degrees of the reflection. And something I love about Rainbows is they show us how possible it is to find the longest arc always. Rainbows don't sag anywhere.

Props needed:
Mat: Small hand weights (2-3lb) or soup cans or water bottles
Reformer: Sitting Box; Small hand weights (2-3lb) or soup cans or water bottles

See you in class,
Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, small hand weights (2-3lb) or soup cans or water bottles and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, sitting box; small hand weights (2-3lb) or soup cans or water bottles and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

MARCH ON

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

There's actually a lot of marching in Pilates if you think about it. Single Leg Stretch has us doing it lying down. You can also do it standing up. On your Wunda chair (don't worry not adding that in here) you've got several ways. So this week lets actually make sure the marching we are doing is from our center. This way we won't fall as we march!

Props needed: 
Mat: squishy  ball or pillow or block. Also can be done without a prop if needed
Reformer: n/a

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

SIDE BY SIDE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Every once in a while I get excited to focus on the Side Body! And this week is a great time to do that. I love that Pilates has side bends and twists that help us become more aware of how our side body truly helps us in every other Pilates exercise. Even ones where they are just tall!

You'll need a magic circle on the Reformer. No circle, a theraband can work.
Mat: Squishy ball 

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, squishy ball and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle (no circle, a theraband can work) and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

AROUND THE CLOCK

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Around The Clock exercise. This exercise is a combination of the double leg stretch, and rolling like a ball. There’s 2 versions I know of:

Joe’s version is named: A Commando Exercise.
Romana’s version is named: Businessman’s Lunch.

The difference? In Joe’s variation, the legs extend only to the even numbers of the clock and the back gets a nice massage as it passes the odd numbers of the clock. The arms reach for the sides of the hips; no reach overhead. In Romana’s variation, it is performed with the legs extending and the arms reaching overhead to each hour of the clock.

The similarity? Both variations are to be performed clockwise and counter-clockwise in less than a minute.

Let’s explore this piece of history, and practice each one to see which is your favorite! Check out Joe's brochure here: https://marchmatness.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/a-commando-exercise-by-joseph-pilates/

Mat Props: Pole and weights
No props for the reformer.

See you in class,
Christine

MEET ME ON THE EQUINOX

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

No matter where you live in the world there is a moment in Spring/Fall where day and night are almost equal. Pilates exercises ask us to work our opposition equally. Our down reach (lower half) and our up reach (upper half) are like night and day. So, as this week falls on the equinox, I thought it would be fun to focus on if we are working equally. Or if night or day are pulling us more in one direction.

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

WEIGHT WHAT??

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Weight what? Sometimes we need props to find a few different connections and sometimes we need to think about where we are in space for an exercise. In this class we will use small/light hand weights and also explore the weight distribution in certain exercises. Exploring how we move in space will help us find our center and maybe make us feel some things in a different way. No right or wrongs, just different!

Props needed:
Mat: Small hand weights (2-3lb) or soup cans or water bottles
Reformer: Sitting Box; Small hand weights (2-3lb) or soup cans or water bottles

See you in class,
Mindi

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL