Pilates Neck Roll and Chin Ttuck

• This exercise can be done while you are at home relaxing, or while you are doing your Pilates exercises in a position that is comfortable for you. The idea of this exercise is to relax your neck, making neck movements easier and more fluid while alleviating any pain. To begin, lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent and your arms resting on your abdomen. Lengthen the back of your neck, and pull the sides of your mouth outward as if you are almost smiling. Widen your tongue at the back of your neck. Take a few slow and deep breaths, allowing your shoulder blades to sink into the floor. Then, slowly roll your head to the right and then to the left. Repeat this several times.
  
  

Modified Pilates Exercises

• For those who have had serious neck injuries, especially fractures and disc problems, certain Pilates moves can cause more pain than they alleviate. It is important that you check with your doctor first before you begin any Pilates regiment, as well as work with a trained Pilates instructor who can modify certain moves so that you won't injure yourself but still benefit from the workout. Another helpful tip is to begin taking Pilates classes with a certified instructor before you try anything on your own. Although there are many DVDs and television Pilates workouts available, you want to begin under supervision to prevent injury.