Non-Traditional Pilates: Core Setup

Series Summary

Many people want to lose weight, yet despite claims of quick fat burning pills and powders, the best way to lose weight is still through proper diet and exercise. Exercise does more than maintain physical fitness. Working out improves bone density, builds muscle strength, and improves joint mobility. It can also reduce general health risks, boost the immune system, and help with depression and insomnia. Whether exercising to lose weight or improve muscle mass, working out is always a good idea to promote mind and body health. There are numerous alternative forms of Pilates that can provide a good core workout. In this free exercise video series, an experienced fitness trainer will demonstrate a number of non-traditional Pilates exercises in a standing series. Some of the exercises included will be the Apple Picking exercise, the Warrior 3, the Develope and several batmas. With these workout tips and techniques, the core will be strengthened in non-traditional ways.

Video Transcript

"Hi I'm going to show you how to set your core up for some standing series exercises. In order to do this you'll have to understand where your ribs are. If you would focus on the ribcage and say if it was like this, if you had Velcro on the inside of the front rib and Velcro on the back rib. And if you can actually squeeze the ribs together and lengthen the spine, that's going to help you to get the idea of setting it up. Remember everyone has a six pack, just some six packs are in the door right when you walk in the store, and some six packs are right in the back right by the beer. But you've got a six pack, learn how to use it. Keep the spine long. If you press your fingers on your ribs and take a big breath, allow the ribs to expand. On your exhale squeeze the ribs in. Now the ribs are squeezed in, the spine is long. That's engaged you'll need to stay engaged like this for all the standing series. Keep the shoulders relaxed, the spine long and the ribs pressed in, engaged. And that's how you set up for the standing series."