How to do a Pilates roll-up!

Try a Pilates roll-up! Start by lying on your back with your legs extended long on the mat and your feet flexed.  Initiate the roll-up with the top of your skull.  Nod and curl your head and shoulders off of the mat continuing by peeling up one vertebrae at a time while reaching your arms long along the ground until you are fully seated and reaching long over your legs.  Engage your transverse abdominus (your deepest abs) by pulling your belly button back towards your spine throughout the entire exercise (especially when it feels most difficult).  Reverse the motion to roll back down, laying down one vertebrae at a time back on to the mat until your head finally reaches the ground. Repeat 6-8 times. Enjoy!