5 Pilates exercises for a strong core
There are so many reasons to love Pilate exercise, but at the top of the list is how efficient and enjoyable it is. We can all take 10 minutes during a busy day, roll out our mat, and get in an amazing workout – without even breaking a sweat!
And Pilates is widely known as one of the most effective ways to build and maintain a strong core. Every single time you hit play on a Pilates workout, you can rest assured you are building amazing core strength.
The Plank: The plank is a perfect start to your core strengthening journey; with minimal movement, this exercise can be adapted to something harder or easier depending on how you feel.
Support your lower body on your forearms with your legs behind you, keep your back straight and low holding this position for as long as possible. When improving with your core strength, start to hold for longer times.
Reverse Crunch: This exercise increases the strength in your low abdominal area, helping focus on this one area if you want a more targeted exercise.
Lie on your back with your knees bent to your chest. Lower your feet down to the ground slowly, try to keep your feet elevated slightly off the ground before bringing your knees back up to your chest.
Bird Dog Crunch: This unusually named exercise is perfect for targeting your lower back! A lot of the core activities you’re used to target your abdominal area, this crunch helps not only your lower back but improves balance and stability.
Kneel on all fours before raising your right arm out, at the same time straighten your left leg out. Once you’ve done this hold before lowering to the ground, repeat on the other side.
Bicycle Crunch Sitting: Your upper and lower abs will be tested with this crunch, along with your hips! Make sure you don’t twist your body too quickly or hard as this could cause injury.
Sit with a slight bend at your knees, bring your right knee up and your left elbow down towards each other. Repeat this on the other side.
Glute Bridge: The Glute Bridge targets your glutes! This one is pretty straight forward so why don’t you add weights for a twist.
Lie on your back with your hands on the floor and feet flat; when lifting your hips off the ground squeeze your glutes!