Exercise Breakdown
25 exercises in Workout 4
Warm-up8 exercises6m 53s
“Opening up the chest, opening up the core, opening up the shoulders.”
“Envision like a blueberry or a marble or a cherry in between those shoulder blades. You're trying to squeeze it.”
“Keep the arm straight, and you can wiggle through the wrist.”
“Push the knees apart as the hips sink.”
“Squeeze your glutes and hamstrings to lift your flat back all the way up.”
“Balance on the tiptoes, raise your heels, hold it here.”
Strength7 exercises11m 54s
“Right foot comes up on the block, hands come into heart center.”
“Exhale to raise your left heel, inhale to drop your left heel.”
“Getting that left knee to touch the mat each time.”
“Shoulders stay stacked.”
“Keeping that tray parallel with the floor the whole time.”
“Keep your back as flat as possible.”
“Your neck can be relaxed. You don't have to engage your neck.”
Balance1 exercise1m 39s
“Extend the knee, four kicks. Maintain balance.”
Cool-down1 exercise1m 25s
“Keep your shoulders planted to the best of your ability.”
pilates8 exercises18m 34s
“If you fall, come right back to it.”
“Shoulders over the wrists, hip, shoulder, ankle alignment.”
“Keep your toe pointed and knee straight.”
“Round into C curve, hold your C curve.”
“Lower the blocks down on your shins to apply pressure to your legs.”
“Try to get your head, neck, and shoulders up off of the mat.”
“Peel, scoop, and lift the hips all the way up.”
“Get those blocks underneath the hips... give you a little bit of elevation.”
Muscles Targeted
Primary
Secondary
Equipment & Modifications
Equipment Needed
- block
- mat
Don't Have Equipment?
You can substitute with:
Available Modifications
- Can do this without the blocks at all
- Use rounded side of block for more instability
Coaching Highlights from Jessica Casalegno
“Envision like a blueberry or a marble or a cherry in between those shoulder blades. You're trying to squeeze it.”
Form
“Your neck can be relaxed. You don't have to engage your neck.”
Safety
“Hips get lower, hips get lower, even lower.”
Motivation
“I come from classical Pilates training, and I'll be honest — I think most online Pilates classes skip the fundamentals that actually matter. Core activation isn't about crunching harder. It's about finding your deep stabilizers and letting them do the work they were designed for.”
Form
Health Benefits
Women navigating Pelvic Floor, low libido will find this session particularly relevant. The focus on core and shoulders addresses the specific tension patterns and movement deficits that often accompany these conditions. No prior experience needed — every movement has a modification.
pelvic floor weakness
90% relevantpelvic floor strengthening; core stability; breathwork
low libido
90% relevantpelvic floor strengthening; blood flow to pelvis; body reconnection; parasympathetic activation
doctor dismissal
90% relevantParasympathetic nervous system activation to reduce stress and anxiety often associated with medical gaslighting.; Improved body awareness and interoception to help women better articulate symptoms and advocate for themselves.; Enhanced core strength and stability to build physical resilience and a sense of groundedness.; Increased self-efficacy and confidence through mastery of movement, empowering women to trust their own bodies.; Gentle strength building to support overall health and combat the physical toll of chronic stress.
motherhood burnout
90% relevantParasympathetic nervous system activation to reduce stress and anxiety; Improved body awareness and interoception to reconnect with self; Gentle strength building to combat physical fatigue and improve posture; Cortisol regulation through morning movement and mindful practices; Pelvic floor and core stability to address common postpartum physical stressors
dating after 40
90% relevantStress reduction and emotional regulation through parasympathetic activation; Improved body awareness, confidence, and self-perception; Enhanced posture and physical presence for increased self-assurance; Increased energy and vitality for social engagement; Development of lean muscle mass for metabolic health and body composition
Relevant For
Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Trainer
Jessica Casalegno
Pilates Trainer
From: Full Body Pilates











