Exercise

Pendulum Stretch

Physiotherapist Charissa Fermelis shares a stretch for your hamstrings and inner thighs.

Written by Charissa Fermelis

How to

  1. A similar starting position to the lying hip rotation exercise, although the focus is now on abdominal strength and control. Lying on your back with your legs pointed up into the air, gently rock your pelvis from side to side, with your legs tilting from left to right like a pendulum.
  2. If you have tight hamstrings and are unable to fully straighten your legs, bend your knees to take the legs to a 90° angle.
  3. Focus on the movement being powered and controlled around your waist.

Tips

Joseph Pilates referred to the abdominal muscles as the ‘powerhouse’ of the body, where all movement started at the core and then flowed outwards to the limbs.

There are several layers of abdominal muscles, with each playing their own role in supporting and moving the spine. Weaknesses in this stabilising system can result in spinal dysfunction and injury.

Stretch out your whole body with the be. Stretching Guide.

Written by Charissa Fermelis

Charissa Fermelis is a physiotherapist, Pilates practitioner and Director of Grounded Movement in Melbourne.

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