Seated Criss-Cross

With a focus on your external obliques, this exercise works your entire abdominal wall. Your obliques play a major role in posture, trunk flexion (bending forward), and rotation (twisting to one side). Strengthening these muscles can help define your waistline and stabilize your spine.

Chapter 6: Chair Pilates | Seated Criss-Cross

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1 Sit in a chair with your legs shoulder width apart and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows slightly in front of your shoulders.

Chapter 6: Chair Pilates | Seated Criss-Cross

2 Raise your left foot and exhale as you simultaneously rotate your torso to your left. Inhale as you reverse your movements to return to your starting position.

3 Raise your right foot and exhale as you simultaneously rotate your torso to your right. Inhale as you reverse your movements to return to your starting position. Perform these steps 10 times.