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Exercise handout — move better, feel better.
Swan Dive on the Pilates Wunda Chair
You lie face down along the wunda chair top, shifted forward over the pedal, with your legs long and together. You bend your elbows and pull your chest forward and down toward the pedal while your legs lift up and away.
Stop if
Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.
This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.
- Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
- Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.
Equipment needed
No equipment needed
Dosage
3
Sets
8
Reps / Time
60 sec
Rest
controlled
Tempo
Step-by-Step Guide
Set up
- With one middle spring (or slightly heavier), place a sticky pad at the chair edge, come prone along the chair top as for the swan, then shift a bit more forward over the pedal.
- Keep the legs long and hugging together, the tailbone reaching, the shoulders on the back and the heart pulling forward.

Step 1 of 5
Lie prone along the chair top shifted a bit more forward over the pedal, legs long and hugging together, tailbone reaching, shoulders on your back and heart pulling forward.

Step 2 of 5
Bend your elbows and pull your chest forward as you go down toward the pedal while your legs lift up and away.

Step 3 of 5
As you reach your legs long and your chest forward you and the pedal rise; tip your chest up while you keep stretching your front.

Step 4 of 5
Before you lose it, tip back the other way: the legs lift up pushing your chest forward and down to the pedal - one long piece.

Step 5 of 5
Lie prone along the chair top shifted a bit more forward over the pedal, legs long and hugging together, tailbone reaching, shoulders on your back and heart pulling forward.
Safety Information
Keep the legs long and hugging with the tailbone reaching so the low back does not collapse, keep the upper abs engaged to hold the upper-back length, and do not let the pedal push you around. Anyone with a shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, back or balance problem should ask a physical therapist or physician before attempting this exercise and stop at pain or dizziness. Stop if the exercise causes pain or you become unwell. Seek appropriate professional advice about symptoms or suitability.
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Printed from clapmove.com. ClapMove is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.