So once you’re all set up and ready to go, Coordination has four distinct parts to hit. (Emphasis on “hit”—because in the beginning, it might feel more like you’re bumping into them instead.) Flow might not happen right away, and that’s okay. You’ve got to get the pieces down first before you can smooth out the transitions.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Stretch the arms and legs at the same time while inhaling.
Yes, at the same time. And yes, while keeping your core connected. This is, after all, a breathing exercise. - Open and close the legs—only the legs—while still holding the stretch. The arms stay strong, reaching into the handles. The core stays active. Nothing else moves. Sounds simple, right?
- Begin to exhale as you draw the legs in—all the way in. IYKYK
Still resisting. Still stretching. Still breathing. - Finish exhaling as you bend the arms and return to your starting position. Smooth, controlled, deliberate. Not rushed. Not floppy.
Sounds easy enough, yes? I hear you!
I remember thinking, “What’s the big deal? Four steps? I’ve got this.”
And then I went to do it—and somewhere between the reach and the return, I got a little lost. Or a lot lost. On the way out. Or the way back. Or, let’s be honest, both.
Recently, I was teaching this exercise to someone who had done Pilates for quite a while—but not at my studio. After watching a few reps, I had the client pause to take a break and regroup. I hesitated for a moment—were we stopping too soon? We were just getting started!
But before I could offer any corrections, the client said something that confirmed I’d made the right call:
“I’ve never felt anything from Coordination. What am I supposed to be working?” Bingo.
That right there was our opening. We used the pause to find more purpose, more connection, more work in the movement. Because if you’re just going through the motions, you’re missing the magic. And this ties right back to some of our other blog themes—especially the recent one about finding resistance.
Whether you’re in the studio, in your Pilates practice, or in line at the grocery store, you’re learning how to hold yourself together. You’re training your muscles to support you, instead of letting your joints take all the pressure of holding your body up. That’s what we mean by “finding resistance.” And that’s what makes Pilates different from just working out.
Personally, it’s taken me years to truly find the work in Coordination—and to keep seeking it outside the studio. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s not about getting it perfect on Day One. It’s about showing up, staying present, and discovering new layers over time.
