Which muscles are targeted during the Short Spine exercise?

The Short Spine exercise primarily targets the abdominal muscles, which play a significant role in stabilizing the pelvis and maintaining proper alignment throughout the movement. As the legs are lifted and rolled over the head, the abdominals engage to control the movement and prevent any excessive strain on the back. This exercise also emphasizes coordination and the connection between the core and the lower body, highlighting the unique ability of the abdominals to support spinal mobility while managing the weight of the legs in the air.

In addition, as the legs articulate through the movement, the abdominals must maintain engagement to protect the spine and assist in the overall execution of the exercise. This translates into enhancing core strength, which is a fundamental principle in Pilates practice.

Other muscle groups may be minimally involved as stabilizers or secondary movers, but the primary focus here is the activation of the abdominal muscles throughout the Short Spine exercise.