How to Do Basic Pilates Exercises

Pilates exercises are a great way to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don't let the word exercise fool you, however, because pilates is more than just stretching and bending. The moves are so specialized, that you must prepare for the regime before you begin your first class.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Maintain good posture throughout your routine. Correct posturing includes long extensions of the muscles you are using and keeping your spine straight. Although the pilates equipment forces you to keep a straight posture, don't go back to slouching when the equipment isn't there to support you. This will only undermine your progress.

2. Practice coordinating your breathing with movement. It not only allows you to get better endurance, but tying breathing to movement is another way to improve your metabolism--which leads to better results. Pilates is also very much about control, core exercise and relaxation; controlling your breathing promotes all of these.

3. Keep your abdominal muscles engaged throughout your exercise routine. It will give you better core support as well as strengthening the abdominal muscles and ridding your midsection of dreaded belly fat. Building a better core is the heart of the pilates program and also builds more lean muscle.

4. Start with the easiest exercises and work your way up to the more advanced movements. One of the most basic moves is to clasp a ball between your knees while doing basic crunches. This makes you focus your attention on squeezing the ball and allows for a more intense crunch and better results.

5. Stay safe. Stretch before and after your routine to avoid muscle strain. Also listen to your body during the routine. It is also important to stop immediately if you feel pain or become injured. Stay well-hydrated to help avoid injury and over-exertion.