Sets: 2-3

Reps: 12 (6 each side)

• Sitting on the mat with your knees bent, hold a long resistance band out in front.

• Exhale as you lean back to set yourself up in the “starting position”.

• Inhale, expand gently, and hold this position (inner range breath).

• Exhale as you draw in your core and pull the band tight to generate resistance in the abdominals. Lift your chest and tuck your knee up simultaneously.

• Inhale and lower back down with control.

• Exhale, draw in and switch legs.

• Your core is working on the exhale and inhale during this movement. Practice inner range breathing by a limited expansion on the inhale and a re-recruit of the draw in on the exhale.

Modifications:

• Decrease the range of motion as needed.

• Use the pilates ball behind your low back if you feel it overworking.