Popular Pilates Exercises

Pilates is a popular exercise for many reasons. A long and lean dancer's body with a strong core is often the result of working hard at Pilates for many years. This envied look causes many women to look to Pilates as their exercise of choice. Below are some popular Pilates exercises you can try.

The hundred

Perhaps the most well-known Pilates exercise is the hundred. A classic Pilates exercise that is done with just a mat, this exercise is known as a warm up in many Pilates classes. To do the hundred, lie on your back with your legs in a tabletop position. Keep your chin down and head up, and engage your abdominal muscles to curl your spine off of the floor while extending your arms and legs. Your arms move in a short motion up and down, while you take five breaths in and out. Do 10 sets of five breaths.

One leg circle

Lie on your back, and reach one leg up as high as you can without lifting your bottom off of the ground. Then, drop your leg just a bit and create a circle; stop when the circle is complete. This exercise is also done with only a mat and strengthens your abdominal muscles.

Side kicks

Side kicks are another mat Pilates exercise where you lie on your side with your head propped in your hand and the other hand on the ground in front of you. Lift your leg a few inches, and bring it forward so it creates a 90 degree angle. Variations on the side kick bring your leg to different positions in this controlled manner.

Always consult a physician before starting a new exercise routine, but definitely consider Pilates as an excellent exercise to help you lose weight, strengthen muscles and feel in tune with your body.