A Pilates instructor says this is the one move she thinks everyone should be doing in 2026, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting down

A woman practices Pilates outdoors on an exercise mat. Her legs are bent to the side and she is leaning over, one arm bent over her head.

If your New Year's resolution is to improve your flexibility, then there's one move you should be doing regularly, according to Pilates instructor and physical therapist Helen O'Leary.

“The mermaid is my exercise for 2026 as it is a great stretch that involves the whole body, so it gives you a lot of bang for your buck,” O'Leary says.