Pilates Exercise: Double Leg Stretch
The Double Leg Stretch is a great abdominal workout. It strengthens the powerhouse while focusing on stretching and breathing. The Double Leg Stretch exercise demands upper body strength and endurance. You must focus on your breathing throughout the entire exercise without dropping your upper body to the ground. What You'll Need: A Pilates mat or a cushioned place to lie on the floor. Level: Beginner. Emphasis: Strength. Time Required: 5 minutes. Here's...
Read More...Pilates Exercise: Single Leg Stretch
The Single Leg Stretch is a classical Pilates exercise for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles. It trains the abdominals to initiate movement, and to support and stabilize the trunk as the arms and legs are in motion. What You'll Need: A Pilates mat or a cushioned place to lie on the floor. Level: Beginner. Emphasis: Strength. Time Required: 5 minutes. Here's How: 1. Lying flat on the floor, bring your head up and your chin to your chest. Bend...
Read More...Pilates Exercise: Rolling Like A Ball
Rolling Like a Ball is an original Pilates exercise which requires core strength to move your body smoothly, like a ball rolling back and forth. The flow of movement develops abdominal strength as well as control and balance. This rolling exercise also stimulates the spine and tunes you into the inner flow of movement and breath in the body. What You'll Need: A Pilates mat or a cushioned place to lie on the floor. Level: Beginner. Emphasis: Control. Time...
Read More...Pilates Exercise: Single Leg Circles
Single leg circles are one of the best Pilates exercises for testing your core strength. The abdominal muscles must work hard to keep the shoulders and pelvis stable despite the movement of the leg in the hip socket. The single leg circle also tones and stretches the thighs. What You'll Need: A Pilates mat or a cushioned place to lie on the floor. Level: Beginner. Emphasis: Mobility. Time Required: 5 minutes. Here's How: 1. Lying flat on your back with your...
Read More...Pilates Principles
Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, Pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (torso). If you do Pilates regularly, you will develop better posture, be less prone to injury, and experience better overall health. The essence of Pilates is found in six principles that make up the foundation on...
Read More...Anatomy Of A Pilates Machine: The Reformer
Mechanized beds were the forerunners of the spring-based exercise machines, such as the Cadillac and the Reformer, for which the Pilates method is known today. Perhaps the most renowned of all Pilates equipment is the Pilates Reformer. With its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys, more than 100 exercises can be performed on this surprisingly versatile apparatus. The Reformer comes with foot-bars, the height of which may be adjusted with the gear...
Read More...Pilates Exercise: The Roll Up
The Pilates roll-up exercise works your abdominals and improves flexibility of your spine. It also stretches out your lower back and flattens your stomach. This is a floor or mat exercise and involves rolling up your upper body while extending your arms. What You'll Need: A Pilates mat or a cushioned place to lie on the floor. Level: Beginner. Time Required: 5 minutes. Here's How: 1. Lie on your back with your arms and legs flat on the floor. Lift your arms...
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