08/25/2026
THE SERIES OF FIVE
There’s a reason you’ll often see these five exercises in our classes.
The Series of Five gives you an opportunity to connect to your core, practice controlled movement, and build the foundation you’ll carry into everything else you do in a Pilates session.
Technically not part of the series of five, BUT the Ab Prep initiates all of the following exercises.
Ab Prep strengthens the deep abdominal muscles while teaching you to maintain a stable pelvis and controlled spinal flexion. It builds the foundational core connection needed for more advanced Pilates exercises.
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1. Single Leg Stretch
Single Leg Stretch challenges the core to stabilize the pelvis and spine while the legs move independently. It also develops coordination, control, and endurance through the abdominals.
2. Scissors
Increases Hamstring flexibility, while improving pelvis stability. It challenges your control and coordination as your legs move, but your pelvis isn’t.
3. Criss Cross
Criss Cross strengthens the obliques through controlled rotation while the deep core works to stabilize the pelvis. It improves spinal mobility, coordination, and rotational strength.
4. Double Leg Stretch
Double Leg Stretch challenges the entire core to maintain spinal and pelvic stability as both arms and legs move away from the centre. It builds abdominal endurance, coordination, and control while increasing the demand on the deep stabilizing muscles.
5. Hundred
The Hundred is a full-core endurance exercise that combines sustained abdominal engagement with rhythmic arm pumping and controlled breathing. It increases core stamina, breath control, circulation, and overall body awareness.
AND DON’T FORGET YOUR BREATH.
Controlled breathing helps you connect your breath to your movement and support your deep core. Breathing properly can help activate the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor, improve focus, and prevent unnecessary tension.
And as with everything we do at Westdale, these exercises don’t have to look exactly the same for everyone.
The Barrel can be added for extra support when needed. Whether you’re working with an injury, building strength, managing a