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Pilates Video #2 "The Hamstring Curl On A Stability Ball"

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Welcome to video #2 in our Pilates exercise series. In our last video we demontrated the importance of core strength and a simple but yet effective core exercise.

In this video we are going to show you a hamstring leg curl on a stability ball. This exercise targets your glutes and hamstrings.

Because we are seated most of the day, our glutes and hamstrings are deactivated (meaning we don't use these muscles very much.) Since we don't use these muscles very often, our body becomes imbalanced.

Since we walk forward and not backwards, walk up and down stairs, and sit down and stand up...we use our quadriceps more than our glutes and hamstrings.

When our quads are over developed and are seated most of the day, our hip flexors become short and tightened. Our hip flexors and quad muscles start to pull our hips forward while creating an unpleasant feeling in our back.

So how do you prevent lower back problems, try this hamstring curl on a stability ball.

1) First lay on your back and place your legs and feet on top of a stability ball.

2) While placing your feet on the ball, start to lift your butt off the ground and pretend you are holding or squeezing a credit card between your butt cheeks.

3) While holding this position, you will want to roll your knees towards your chest while lifting your butt in the air.

You will instantly feel this in your hamstrings and glutes. This is a great corrective exercise that can help with the muscle imbalances in your lower body and preven lower back pain.

If you have any questions about this pilates exercise, "the hamstring curl" please leave your comments at the bottom.