Hello. I have been doing Pilates for almost 3 years. I have done this in a studio as well as online. I have had constant trouble with my ability to perform the open leg rocker. I can NOT seem to get my legs straight. The advice I was given through the studio was to keep trying and I will get it. Do you have any tips on how I can improve this exercise and straighten my legs? Thank you for your time.

Jennifer, it sounds like your hamstrings and/or hip flexors are tight. You would benefit by stretching them before the exercise. It's also possible your arms are short in relationship to your legs. I've been doing and teaching Pilates for years and I have short arms so I too struggle with having my legs straight if I am trying to hold on to my ankles during OLR. If you are trying to hold your legs at or near your ankle, I would suggest instead holding the back of your thigh (lower). Even if your knees are slightly bent, it's OK. Work on lengthening your thoracic (mid) spine at the top of the rocker movement. You can keep trying -- it does take time. Our bodies are all different and we need to take that into consideration. Hope this helps!

So glad I read this. I too have fairly short arms and struggle reaching my ankles. Good to know I can still benefit from holding lower on my leg!

Hi there - I have found success with getting straight legs in the Open Leg Rocker that's great for people with tight backs/legs etc... You will use the foot loops from the leg springs on the Cadillac. Take those loops to the mat with you and put them on your feet - you'll hold the end of the strap where it would attach to the leg spring. Keep your arms straight and your legs straight. This assist will help to open up the low back and hamstrings over time - eventually you won't need the assist. Using the foot loops will get you into the position where your stomach is working to support the weight of your legs. It may be a very different balance point than with bent legs which is what you are looking for. And as with everything in Pilates, this assist will make the exercise a bit more manageable as well as a bit more challenging. See what you think  :) And thanks for this great question!