Your weight loss well-being isn’t just about shifting those pounds; it’s about having a tight and toned tummy that you’d be proud to show off on the beach. Let’s take a look at some Pilates exercises which can get you looking ab-ulous.
1. The Hundred. Doing this pose while you practice the dynamic breath pattern fully engages your abdominal muscles, which means you are working to build your core strength, coordination and stamina.
2. The Roll Up. If well executed, wellness experts believe that a single Roll Up can be just as beneficial to your abdominal muscles as six sit ups. While the exercise is challenging for your abdominal muscles, it is also quite a relaxing activity that increases your flexibility.
3. Single Leg Circles. For this exercise, you have to keep your hips glued to the mat and stay within the frame of your body while you circle the leg independently. This means you’re giving your core stability an amazing workout.
4. Rolling Like a Ball. This exercise can take its toll on your well-being if you have a neck or back problem, so it’s best avoided. However, if you’re well enough to give it a try, Rolling Like a Ball stimulates your spine – which works your abdomen muscles deeply – and tunes you into you breath and inner flow of movements.
5. The Single Leg Stretch. Not only does this exercise target your lower abs, but it also works on your entire core. This one may not be so easy to achieve right off the bat, though, as you need stamina and strength to maintain an upper body curve and stable torso as you switch your legs and your arm positions.
6. The Double Leg Stretch. Working with the centre of your body, this exercise requires you to stretch your arms and legs and use your power house to motivate the body coming back. Sounds exhausting, but it does improve your endurance and abdominal strength.
7. Single Straight Leg. This involves switching your legs in the air like scissors and then tugging them gently towards yourself twice each time. Not only does this serve to engage the powerhouse and gain flexibility in your hamstrings, but the Single Straight Leg trains your abdominal muscles to initiate the movements, which supports and stabilises the trunk.
8. Double Straight Leg. Again, this one isn’t for the faint-hearted as the Double Straight Leg demands both endurance and strength from your abdominals. With your back to the mat and your abdominals pulled in, you inhale as you lengthen the legs straight up and slowly lower them. Then you exhale while bringing your legs up again, keeping your elbows open and rib-cage in. For strength and control, you need to keep and use the powerhouse.