Deb Bowen, a Rebound Pilates instructor certified by the national organization Pilates Method Alliance, demonstrates some basic Pilates moves. Pilates uses controlled movements to increase strength and flexibility and is particularly focused on the muscles of the torso. This exercise can be done individually or you can try all eight, which are running every other week in The Bulletin through Sept. 23.

The spine twist strengthens the oblique muscles of the abdomen and helps create flexibility in the spine, said Bowen.

How to do it: Sit on a mat or the floor with legs extended and arms straight out from shoulders. Inhale and twist your upper body to the right (1). Exhale back to center (2), then inhale and twist left (3). Bowen said she tells clients to think of their back like a barber pole. Do three to five twists on each side.

— Betsy Q. Cliff, The Bulletin