In Pilates, what does "flexion" refer to?

In Pilates, "flexion" specifically refers to bending movements that decrease the angle between two body parts. This is commonly seen in exercises that involve curling the spine forward, such as in the classic abdominal roll-up or spine stretch. By reducing the angle, the body engages core muscles effectively, promoting strength and stability in the abdominal region as well as flexibility in the spine.

Understanding flexion is crucial in Pilates as it aids in the correct execution of many exercises and contributes to building strength while mobilizing the spine safely. The other options relate to different categories of movement: increasing angles, rotational movements, and static holds, which are not applicable to the definition of flexion in this context.