Kneeling Shave and Hug on the Pilates Reformer is a great place to challenge your seated Rowing 5 and 6. Typically done after you do Kneeling Arm Circles and requires all the leg, hip, seat strength that you used in your Arm Circles. Kneeling Shave and Hug is possible sooner than you might think. And, I believe it can not only challenge what you know from your Shave and Hug but will also strengthen and support your seated Shave and Hug. So, give it a go! If you're doing Kneeling Arm Circles, add in the Shave and Hug to your Pilates workout.

You can transition into Kneeling Shave and Hug from your Arm Circles. Or, you can set up for them separately. If coming from Arms Circles, finish doing 3-5 circles in each direction and then reach your arms up overhead and press your index fingers and thumbs together with your elbows wide. If you are setting up separately for this exercise, make sure you have 1 heavy spring on. Before grabbing your springs kneel on the carriage with your heels up against your shoulder blocks, and pressing the balls of your feet down and back. Sit back and grab both handles and then place your hands in your hips and then lift up to kneeling with your handles in front of you. Then, reach your arms up to the start position.

Pressing your heels down and your knees down and towards each other, press your arms forward and up and then bend your elbows wide resisting the spring closing. Repeat 3-5x. Then, reach your arms up and go wide for the Hug. Pressing your whole hand into the handle, reach forward like you are hugging a big tree and then press your arms wide to the side. You should feel both of these come from your back. Repeat 3-5x.