Banish aches and pains by strengthening and stretching the muscles that affect your back.

Because Pilates requires you to press your abs toward your spine, you don't want to allow your lower belly to round and press out as air comes into your lungs. You also don't want that abdominal lock to force you to breathe shallowly. To breathe correctly, you must expand your rib cage, primarily through your midback.

To do Pilates moves correctly, you'll need to concentrate on your abs - keeping them pulled in and up - at all times.

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