My favorite Pilates exercise changes depending on my mood or what's going on in my body in different phases of my life. But I always have one or two that I find especially beneficial, or just plain enjoy.

Right now I'm having a lot of fun with crab. I love the rolling, I like the quick change of feet, and I get a kick out of the possibility that I could just keep on going... roll right off the mat.

How about you? Which Pilates exercise do you like best these days? Read what others say, and share what you like and why: Favorite Pilates Exercises.

If you don't know much Pilates yet, start with Pilates Fundamentals and Beginner Exercises.

"A gentle, twisting, stretch" - am I sure? Yes. This stretch is a twist, but there is a way to do it that can feel really good to your back. You might be familiar with this exercise from other fitness settings, but read through the instructions here and learn to do it safely, in a way that won't tork just one part of your lower back.

Once you know this exercise, you can use it as a gentle warm-up or as a little bit stronger stretch after your workout.
Get Instructions for Reclined Back Twist

Have the Exercise of the Week, along with other great Pilates info, sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.

_{photo by Peter Kramer, courtesy of Kolesar Studios}

According the the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women, after lung cancer; and an estimated 192,370 new cases of breast cancer are expected to have been diagnosed in 2009. Clearly, it serves all of us to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Shapeonline.com and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation have come together again to promote Pilates for Pink during October, breast cancer awareness month. One of the services they offer is to list Pilates studio around the country that have signed up to promote and raise funds for breast cancer awareness through the Pilates for Pink program. You can help raise funds for breast cancer awareness by taking a Pilates for Pink class.

Pilates for Pink is also selling a few Pilates products to help raise funds. At their website you can buy 2 Pilates for Pink DVDs by Mari Winsor: The Pilates for Pink Workout and the Pilates for Pink Challenge. You can also choose a Power in Pink zip jacket from Under Armour.
See the Pilates for Pink Products

Compare prices on other breast cancer awareness products

I've heard from many of you who are looking for a challenging Pilates DVD. This DVD might be your answer.

Alisa Wyatt's new Advanced Pilates Workout DVD is exactly what it says it is, nothing more: no waving palm trees, no techno music, no 5 or 10 minute breakout sessions. This is the real deal - a 45 minute complete classical Pilates mat workout done at tempo, without stopping.

Read more in my new review:
Advanced Pilates Workout with Alisa Wyatt.

_{photo: courtesy of Alisa Wyatt}