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Criss Cross (Ab Series 5/5) on the Wunda Chair

Use Criss Cross on the Wunda chair to show you where you can get more out of your Mat Pilates practice. Discover what exercises you can explore on the chair.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • May 23, 2023
Criss Cross (Ab Series 5) on the Wunda Chair - Online Pilates Classes

Criss Cross (Ab Series 5/5) on the Wunda Chair

Criss Cross (Ab Series 5) on the Wunda Chair - Online Pilates Classes
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Equipment Needed: Wunda Chair (I love using the Balanced Body Wunda Chair.)
  • Reps: 3-5 of each
  • Warning: Not ideal for some neck or lower back issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Criss Cross (Ab Series 5/5) on the Wunda Chair

Criss Cross is the final exercise in the ab series from Mat Pilates. When done on top of the Wunda Chair the Criss Cross reveals how much we might be leaning onto the mat as we switch from one side to the other. Use your Criss Cross on the Pilates Wunda Chair to show you where you can get more out of your Mat Pilates practice. And, the Criss Cross can inspire what you do next on your Wunda Chair.

Shoulders on your back as you press hands into head and head to hands.

If coming from Double Straight Leg Stretch and your hands are already interlaced behind your head bend one knee into your chest and stretch the other leg out to the high diagonal. If you’re coming into Criss Cross on top of your Wunda Chair from a rest position lay on top of the chair. If you lay on the long side of the chair it’s easier, shorter direction is harder. Interlace your hands behind your head and curl your head and chest up. Bring both knees into your chest.

Keeping the lift in your chest curl up and over to one knee as you stretch the other leg away. Reach your armpit towards your knee and keep your elbows wide. Continue to curl up as you switch your legs. Continue to switch side to side. If you notice your chest is lowering take a moment and then reset. Also, watch out for knees going to the side or crossing your midline.

Be sure to check out more of my Wunda Chair workout videos. I want to help you continue your Pilates Wunda Chair 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.

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>> 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.

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

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MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a reformer!

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

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a squishy ball or stuffed toy 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.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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>> 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.

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>> 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.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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See ya in class,

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MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby 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.

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

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

See ya in class,

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