What Is Pilates – A Brief Introduction

Pilates is a form of exercise that aims at improving and stimulating mental and physical health. Pilates also woks to increase flexibility/elasticity, along  building and strengthening lean muscles via specific activities which may even be practiced with equipment, readily available at The Fitness Republic Store

Pilates- Let’s Get Fit And Fab!

Pilates are a highly popular way to increase your core strength, sense of balance and flexibility. This trio of powerful benefits will do wonders for your health and fitness! Not only will you look good and feel great, but you will sense a burst of freshness and rejuvenation in your body. You will no longer be plagued by sore and stiff muscles, and a tired, worn out body! So get started on your beginner Pilates exercises and give your core abdominal muscles the workout that they need. Of course you must remember to give your body due time to get used to the beginner Pilates exercises: pause and take a break when you feel discomfort or pain. The idea is to proceed cautiously, and shape up without straining or injuring your body.

Beginner Pilates For Flat Abs # 1

Dying for a flat, toned stomach? Try out the Pilates hundred! Lie down on the floor, bend your knees and hold onto the back of both knees with both hands. Now lift your head and shoulders up slightly, keeping the lower back pressed against the floor. With your stomach sucked in, pump your arms up and down in short quick movements until you hit 50 pumps. After you hit 50 pumps, pause, and then repeat the exercise for another 50 pumps.

Beginner Pilates For Flat Abs # 2

Another great beginner Pilates exercise is the roll up. Lie down on the floor with your legs extended straight out in front of you. Now bend your knees and reach your arms out over your legs as you sit up with your head positioned between your outstretched arms. Curl backwards and pause halfway down. Then extend your arms upwards, tuck your stomach in, exhale and as you breathe out bring your arms down and curl upwards. Repeat this sequence at least 6 to 8 times.

Beginner Pilates For Your Lower Back # 3

To tone your back, lie down on the floor and bend your knees. Your feet should be placed at a hip’s distance from one another. Your arms should be placed at the sides with the palms facing down. Lift your hips upwards without arching your back. In this raised position, tighten your buttocks muscles and hamstrings. Maintain this pose for five deep breaths. Exit the pose by lowering one vertebra down on the floor at a time. Repeat this pose at least 5 times.

Beginner Pilates For Your Lower Back # 4

Let’s take exercise # 3 and increase the intensity just a bit! Follow the same sequence and after you raise your hips, get ready for some fancy leg work! Straighten one leg out and extend it straight up towards the ceiling. Then as you exhale, kick it down and outwards while keeping the foot flexed. Repeat this motion 5 times and then perform the same sequence with the other leg.

Beginner Pilates For Your Upper Back # 5

Position yourself lying face down on an exercise mat. Keep your feet placed together and your head and chest slightly raised upwards. Extend your arms straight outwards so that they are held perpendicularly to your body, and keep your palms facing downwards. Now, exhale and bring your arms back towards your body as you raise your head and chest higher off the mat. Your waist should remain firmly positioned against the mat. Repeat this pose at least 5 times.