How to do the Pilates Scissors?

Scissors is a Classical Pilates exercise. It is the third exercise in the Ab Series of Five, following the Double Leg Stretch. It is a great hamstring stretch. Begin by lying on the Mat, hugging knees into the chest as you lift your head and shoulders off the Mat. Extend legs up to a high diagonal, placing hands behind one calf as you pull towards you twice while extending the other leg out. Then change legs. Beginners may place hands behind the thigh. For an added challenge, reach hands behind your ankle and lower the other leg closer to the Mat. This exercise can be performed with a Magic Circle between hands.