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 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...
Read More...Pilates Exercise: The Hundred
The hundred is a classic pilates exercise so named because it takes a count of 100 to complete. This exercise strengthens core abdominal muscles and expands the chest and ribcage. The hundred is a mat exercise often used as a dynamic warm-up for the abdominals and lungs. It requires that you coordinate your breathing while raising your legs to a vertical position and waving or pulsing your arms up and down in small motions. What You'll Need: A Pilates mat or a...
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