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 double leg lower lift strengthens the core muscles in the abdomen.

How to do it: Lie on the floor or a mat. Stack hands behind your head, palms pressing into head and head pressing into palms. Extend legs straight up in the air, bent at the hip (1). Roll up to the lower tips of your shoulder blades and pull stomach in to create a strong and tense upper body. Lower legs about two or three inches, or as far as you can without losing form or letting stomach pop out (2). Inhale as you lower your legs; exhale as you raise them.

— Betsy Q. Cliff, The Bulletin