i've been doing pilates for almost a year now- and i just can NOT do a roll up without a bit of help. i FEEL like my abs are getting stronger all the time...but i cannot seem to make that connection. are there any tips i could use? will i EVER be able to do this? thanks,

Tips for Roll Up

Hi Cindy, this is a question that would be great in the instructor forum. In the meantime, check the video out in the post above. It just may do the trick to help you make the connection.

thank you so much, i will try that!

I've also been completely frustrated by the roll up, thinking that my two c-sections were the cause even though the last one was 22 years ago. I just couldn't seem to fire the right muscles at the right time and thought they weren't strong enough. I used Kristi's tip of the rolled up towel, focusing on pushing my low back into the towel, and popped right up! I literally jumped up and down with excitement! I'm really enjoying your comprehensive website and now that I can do the roll up, I may be brave enough to take a class at your studio! Next challenges - teaser and roll over! Any amazing tips?

Well let's just celebrate the success of your Roll Up for a little while shall we?! That is really great news! I can't remember where I learned that rolled up towel trick, but I have found it so helpful for so many people along the way. Do come take a class at the studio! I know lots of people have good tips for roll over, off the top of my head you could place that same towel at your sacrum (make it more like a square) then try your roll over from there. Sometimes if you start slightly elevated it can be just the thing to get you through the worst of the exercise in terms of challenge, but leave you enough to still gain strength. Good luck! Thanks for sharing your success!

Wow! I have watched many tips on this site and worked with a number of teachers on my roll up. Kristi your towel suggestion is really miraculous - I can do a roll up!!! I can't wait to show my instructor. Thank you Thank you

Ah! wonderful elizabeth! I love that towel trick. It can be just the thing to help people through that rough spot.

I would love to see this but it looks like the video has been removed...

Susan ~ here is a tutorial video exploring the Roll Up with a towel. In addition, here is a breakdown video of the Roll Up and more modifications.