In the July/August issue, Mari Winsor shared with readers her chair workout. Below is the classic Mermaid Stretch—to see more of her routine, pick up a copy of Pilates Style today!
Mermaid Stretch
purpose: opens up the muscles between the ribs to create more length in the body and to stretch the waist
setup: Same as previous, but extend your right arm straight toward the ceiling, fingertips together and neck relaxed. Inhale.
1. Exhale, reaching your torso up and over to the left side, extending your right palm toward the ceiling, as you simultaneously extend your left leg out to the left side of the chair, allowing your right hip to open out to your right side.
2. Return to sitting and repeat on your other side. Do 2–3 repetitions on each side.
tip: Try to breathe with the movement.
modification: Squeeze your legs together to activate your inner thighs.
advanced: Continue stretching further, keeping your hips firmly planted on the chair.
