I remember when I first started trying Pilates leg lifts – I thought I was doing them right, but my lower back would always feel it more than my glutes or core. It was so frustrating! I just kept kicking my leg up higher and higher, thinking that was the goal, but like the images show, that's definitely NOT how to do them for effective results. My whole body would rock, my core was nowhere to be found, and my shoulder stability was non-existent. It was an 'ouchie' moment for sure, and my back hurt. Then, I learned the proper way, and it was a total game-changer. The key, as I discovered, is all about control and stability, not height or momentum. This is where 'proper instruction MATTERS in Pilates,' and it transformed my practice. Here’s how I finally fixed my Pilates leg lifts to genuinely feel them in my core and glutes: First, the setup is crucial. I focus on getting into a perfect tabletop position: hands directly under my shoulders and knees directly under my hips. This foundation is essential for stability. Next, I learned to pull my shoulder blades wide, away from my ears, and then really hug my ribs together. This immediately engages my core and creates that stable upper body base. The images were so helpful in showing me how to keep my spine stable and avoid any rocking. The actual leg movement is where most people, including my past self, go wrong. Instead of just kicking my leg UP, I now think about lengthening it BACK. The content really hammered this home: 'Lengthen BACK rather than kicking UP! THINK ABOUT REACHING IT BACKWARDS IN SPACE FIRST TO THEN LIFT IT UP.' This minor shift in focus makes a monumental difference. By reaching my leg back first, I stabilize my pelvis and properly activate my glutes from the very beginning of the movement. I focus on that crease where my butt meets my hamstring – that’s where I want to feel the work! When I do it correctly, I can literally feel my core working so hard that 'I COULD BALANCE ON MY LOWER BACK,' as the images suggest. My spine remains stable, and I’m finding length back rather than height. This ensures that 'CORE + GLUTES WORKING, SPINE STABLE' isn’t just a goal, but a reality. I no longer crunch into my spine or rely on momentum. It’s not about how high you lift your leg; it’s about how much control you maintain and how effectively you engage those deep core muscles and glutes. This focus on controlled, precise movements has made my Pilates sessions so much more effective, and I've seen a noticeable difference in my glute strength and overall core stability. If you're doing Pilates leg raises on the mat and not feeling the burn where you expect it, try these adjustments. It truly works those buns!