Did you know that Double Leg Stretch on the mat is an amazing substitution for Backstroke?
Double Leg Stretch:
You are curled in. You are reaching away. All while staying in your upper ab curl.
Picture of Double Leg Stretch start position: upper ab curl with legs pulled in to center. Hands are at the shins with arms helping pull legs in to center.
Picture of Double Leg Stretch reaching arms by ears and legs away from center.
Double Leg Stretch can have arms reaching by the ears or arms reaching to the thighs. Both make you work your center, so you choose your journey!
Backstroke:
You are curled in. You are reaching away. All while staying in your upper ab curl.
The additions in Backstroke --> you are circling your arms and legs, you are pressing into handles, and you are higher up.
Video: Backstroke
Video: Reverse Backstroke
SUBSTITUTIONS ARE VALID IN PILATES
It’s okay to substitute one exercise for another in your practice.
If one exercise is more accessible for you and gives you the work you need, why not do that?
If you do something you know, and it feels good in your body, it will send good signals to your brain and then you’ll likely keep going.
Pilates is a practice and we all need to keep consistent to keep our bodies happy and healthy for a longer life.
When you are practicing Pilates:
You do you.
You are valid.
Your practice is valid, no matter what you choose to do on any given day.
I'll be here to celebrate you, no matter what you choose!