Pilates For Dummies
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The Rolling Like a Ball exercise in Pilates is a combination of Hip-Up and Balance Point. Requiring both strength and control, Rolling Like a Ball is a fun way to massage your own back, find out how to articulate your spine, and find abdominal control.

Start sitting up in the same position as Balance Point.

Start sitting up in the same position as Balance Point.

Your legs should be bent and off the floor and your hands holding the front of your knees (one hand on each knee).

Inhale: Roll back onto your upper back and do a Hip-Up, using your lower Abdominal Scoop to lift the hips.

Inhale: Roll back onto your upper back and do a Hip-Up, using your lower Abdominal Scoop to lift the hips.

Squeeze your butt to get an extra lift. Don’t roll too far back onto your neck. If you don’t have a neck problem, you don’t want to get one now.

Exhale: Returning to your Balance Point, using your Abdominal Scoop as the brake to the rolling.

Exhale: Returning to your Balance Point, using your Abdominal Scoop as the brake to the rolling.

Don’t allow your back to make a thumping sound, especially on the way back up. Slow down if there is any thumping, and use your abdominals to articulate into your lower back, pressing your lower back into the mat, to make a smooth movement.

About This Article

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Ellie Herman runs two Pilates studios, where she teaches hundreds of students and certifies Pilates teachers. She studied under two of Joseph Pilates' original students.

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