Flexibility, Your Way

“I’m Not Flexible Enough to Do Pilates”

We hear this all the time—and it’s exactly why you should start.

One of the biggest myths about Pilates is that it’s only for people who can fold in half. At Oxygen Mind and Body, we believe flexibility isn’t a prerequisite—it’s a result of mindful, consistent practice. And anyone, at any age, can work toward it—safely, gradually, and joyfully.

What Flexibility Really Means in Pilates

Flexibility in Pilates is about more than flashy stretches. It’s about:

• Moving through your joints with ease

• Maintaining a mobile and stable spine, which is key to longevity

• Creating a balanced body where both strength and flexibility support each other

It’s not about touching your toes—it’s about how you move, how it feels, and how you’re able to do more of what you love with comfort and confidence.

How Pilates Improves Flexibility Safely

Pilates encourages flexibility through:

• Controlled movement—no bouncing or forcing

• Breath-led motion that promotes muscle release

• Joint stability to support increased range of motion

• Stretching and strengthening happening at the same time

This approach helps you create length without compromising stability.

Flexibility Wins at Every Age

No matter where you're starting, flexibility is for you:

• Beginners: Loosens tight hips, hamstrings, shoulders

• Seniors: Improves balance, posture, and fall prevention

• Athletes & active folks: Reduces injury risk, aids recovery, enhances performance

Whether you’re 15 or 85, flexibility supports freedom of movement—and that’s priceless.

Try These Flexibility-Boosting Pilates Moves

Here are a few beginner-friendly exercises we love to teach:

• Single Leg Circles - Increases hip mobility and strength

• Lying on your back with knees bent and feet hip distance apart

• Place a  small cushion behind your head for neck comfort

• Raise one leg, knee directly above your hip socket, keeping your tailbone heavy on the mat

• Allow the knee to bend generously, so you feel no tension in your hip

• Make little circles with your leg, keeping your hips from rocking side to side

• Do 5 circles in each direction and then switch legs
  

• Standing Arm Circles with Breath – Releases tension from the shoulders and upper back

• Stand tall with your tailbone gently scooping downward, belly button pulled in toward your spine and head pressing up toward the ceiling

• Lift your arms forward and up to the ceiling

• Open your arms wide and circle them down toward your hips

• Reverse the direction of the circle

• Do it 5 times each way
  

• Roll Down Against the Wall

• Stand with your back against any wall

• Feel the back of your head, shoulders, ribcage and pelvis against the wall, but walk your heels 6 inches away from the wall

• Raise your arms directly out in front of you

• Take a deep breath in, and then start to peel your head, then your shoulders, then your ribs off the wall as you bend forward toward your toes

• Take another deep breath in, and then exhale as you place your lower back onto the wall again, then your ribs, shoulders and finally your head.

• Repeat this 5 times

💛 Experience What Stretching With Purpose Feels Like.

Book a lesson at Oxygen Mind and Body and see how flexibility grows from the inside out.

👉 Book your beginner lesson or free discovery call today
✨ Your body will thank you.

💬 What part of your body feels the most tight these days? Drop it in the comments—we might feature it in our next stretch spotlight!