- Difficulty: Beginner
- Equipment Needed: Mat (I love using the Contrology Folding Mat.)
- Reps: 5-10
- Warning: Not ideal for some feet or ankle issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Standing Tendon Stretch on the Mat
Standing Tendon Stretch on the Pilates Mat is more than a calf raise. In Pilates, there are a lot of Tendon Stretch’s. And they all mean Tendon strength and connections! This exercise like all the other exercises in the Pilates studio with the same name are there to connect your feet to your seat. If you’re doing this exercise correctly you will feel the outer hips and inner thighs working.
This exercise like all the other exercises in the Pilates studio with the same name are there to connect your feet to your seat.
Standing with your heels together and toes slightly apart. Interlace your hands behind your head. Press your head into your hands and your hands into your head. Reach your tailbone down. Pull your center up.
Without rocking back and forth hug your heels together and lift your heels up. Only lift your heels as high as you can hug them together. And for my hypermobile friends hug your ankles towards each other too! Then hug the ankles together and tap them to the floor and repeat. If you tap the heels instead of dropping them you’ll feel even more inner thighs and center!
If going well combine this with Standing Roll Up.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Mat exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Mat training!