Basic Pilates Exercises

Being fit is the trend right now. Let it be adults, the elderly or teens, everyone wants to have a great body or at least be fit so that they can lead a long and healthy life. However, most of them are unaware of where to begin. Joining a fitness center or gym is good but it's necessary that you should know the best exercises for weight loss and a toned body. Dedication is very necessary and it only comes if you see effective results. So here are some basic Pilates exercises which are ideal for a healthy body and mind.

Pilates exercises are necessary as they focus on strengthening the core muscles and they also work well with ligaments and joints. They also help in increasing flexibility of muscles and are used in therapy and rehabilitation programs where people learn to battle health ailments such as arthritis. Some doctors also claim that, Pilates are one of the safest pregnancy exercises.

Five Easy Pilates Exercises

There are many Pilates exercises which can be practiced to get a healthy and fit body. The main part to remember while practicing Pilates is to make sure that they are done in series, exercises alone won't benefit you. You have to make sure you do it in a sequence, so that your body gets that stretching it requires.

Hundred
This exercise ignites the body from inside and promotes healthy blood circulation and breathing. Lie on the back and bring your knees close to the chest, now lift your head and shoulders of the mat and reach to your knees. Make sure your spine is bent at least 60°.

Spine Stretch Forward
Sit erect on the floor with your legs open to your shoulder length. Now get your hands forward and contract your ab muscles as much as you can. Now bend forward until you are in a "C" shape. Hold this position for a few seconds and exhale. Now bring the upper half of the body ahead and inhale slowly. Come back to the starting position slowly. This is one of the best pilates exercises for abs.

High Clam
High Clam is a very helpful pilates move for total fitness and strength. Lie down on your side and make sure your hips and shoulders are in a straight line. Slightly bend your knees, so that your thighs are little bit open. Your head should be resting on your top arm. Keeping your knees together, lift your feet. Keeping your feet together, you now open the top knees. Stay in this open knee position for a few seconds or until you get some resistance. Come back to the original position and repeat as desired.

Single Leg Stretch
Bring your torso forward and bring one knee close to the chest and keep the other leg out at 45°. After few seconds keep switching legs. Make sure you keep your lower back and head still. The single leg stretch is also one of the best pilates exercises with bands.

Double Leg Stretch
With the torso bent forward make your arms and legs reach up to the ceiling. Bring out the arms to the sides and make sure your knees are straight with toes pointing upwards. This exercise also guarantees an ankle stretch which is very useful for strong leg muscles.

So these were some of the basic pilates exercises which would be ideal for people who are new to the world of Pilates. You can also practice some pilates exercises at home if you don't have time to go to a fitness center daily.