Working out with a partner can be motivating, challenging and FUN!
Our first exercise
is an abdominal exercise for the obliques. You will need a stretch
band, which can be purchased online, or exercise tubing can work well
too.
Start Position: Sit up as tall as possible facing your
partner with your knees bent and feet braced against each other's.
Pull in your abs and try to lengthen your spine. We suggest that the
man hold the middle of the band, approximately shoulder distance apart,
and the woman hold the ends of the band so that she can adjust the
tension.*
Inhale, pull in the abdominal muscles and lengthen up through the spine.
Exhale, roll back off the sit bones, simultaneously rotating the rib cage to the right and bending the right arm.
Inhale, pass through the start position, keeping the abdominal muscles engaged.
Exhale, roll back of the sit bones, simultaneously rotating the rib cage to the left and bending the left arm.
Repeat this exercise 8-10 times, 4-5 times each side.
*The
greater the tension, the more support there is for the abdominal
muscles, but the harder the exercise will be on the muscles of the
arm. If the woman holds the band, she can reach further up the band
for more tension (more support) or more towards the edges of the band
for less tension, less support.
For more great stretch band workouts, log onto
www.ultimatepilatesworkouts.com and try the "Tighten and Tone" workout or try our "Pilates in Ten" podcasts for
Arms and
Legs, which also use the stretch band.