I Hate My Abs - Do You Think Pilates Will Work?

If you haven't been living under a rock for the last 5 years, then I'm sure you've seen the fantastic things that Winsor Pilates can do for abs. If not, then you really should take a look. They have plenty of exercises that will have your abs beginning for mercy while 'looking good'.

Winsor Pilates abdominal exercises were created to do essentially all those things that the traditional abdominal exercises fail to do for the average person. More than anything Winsor Pilates is famous for its excellent targeted abdominal exercises. Her exercises focus on the deep abdominal muscles rather than those on the surface. Rather than having the goal of having 'six pack' abs, the Winsor Pilates method encourages longer, leaner muscle, which will provide a taller, learner looking physique.

Following is a list of five Winsor Pilates exercises that will help you achieve those lean abs you are seeking. The first of these abdominal toning exercises is called The Hundred. This exercise is done while lying on your back with your knees above your chests and your arms out to the side. Of course it couldn't be this easy could it? Absolutely not, now you need to lift your chin and chest ever so slightly resting your weight on your shoulder blades. Once you've accomplished this you need to raise your legs. Now you're in position and it's time to pump your arms five times. You repeat this process 20 times until you've reached 100 arm pumps. If this sounds too easy, you really should try it.

Second is called the Roll-up. In this exercise you begin by sitting with your legs straight and your arms in front. You want to hold in your abs (suck in your gut for anyone in the south that might be reading this), and slowly roll to the floor until you are lying down. You want to feel every vertebra in your back during this process. Then you should raise your arms above your chest and slowly roll yourself back up. This should be done five to ten times.

The third exercise is called Rolling like a Ball. This exercise simply requires that you sit up and pull your ankles in towards your buttocks while wrapping your arms around them. You will want to do this five times and be careful not roll onto your neck.

Fourth is known as the Teaser. This is performed while lying flat on your back with your legs outstretched and your arms on the mat stretched above you head. You will then lift your legs above your head while raising your arms. Exhale while slowly unrolling back to your starting position. This is one of the more difficult exercises for many.

Fifth is the Crisscross. In this exercise you want your head slightly raised, knees at your chest, and hands behind your head. Inhale while twisting to the right in order to bring the left elbow to the right knee. Then switch. Repeat this set five times for a total of ten crisscrosses.

There are many wonderful and challenging Winsor Pilates exercises that target specific areas of the body, specifically the abs. Be sure to take the time to find the ones that work for you.

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