Pilates Exercises for Abs

Pilates is a form of exercise, which was designed by Joseph Pilates in the 20th century. Today the practice of Pilates has spread throughout the world. The name given to this form of exercise originally by Joseph Pilates was Contrology, as according to him, it is the mind which exercises control on the muscles. There are many benefits of Pilates, among some of the important ones are increased strength, flexibility and also better control over the body. Pilates emphasizes the controlled use of the core muscle, which helps in developing a strong core. Doing Pilates exercises are of immense help for in developing a stronger core. It can be said, that Pilates is based on six principles of concentration, control, centering, efficiency of movement, precision and breathing.

Best Pilates Exercises for Abs

The primary focus of Pilates exercises is to strengthen the abs and buttocks, at the same time improve flexibility, posture, etc. Pilates exercises work not only as abdominal exercises, but they also help to make the body lean. We will now take a look at the Pilates exercises for a stronger core, which can be included in a Pilates abs workout.

Roll Ups
This brings us to the first of Pilates abdominal exercises. To do this Pilates exercise at home, lie on your back. Extend your legs straight and stretch your hands above your head. Keeping your legs where they are, breathe out and lift your hands and shoulders off the floor. While you are doing this, make sure you activate the core muscles. Hold the position for a few seconds and slowly come back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise 8 to 10 times.

Alternate Leg Stretch
To do this Pilates exercises for lower abs lie with your back on the yoga mat. Extend both your legs ensuring the knees are not bent. Lift both legs off the floor and let the left leg hover 6 to 8 inches of the floor. Lift the right leg towards the sky and pulse twice. Slowly bring the right leg towards the floor, as you lift the left leg towards the sky. Do not touch the right leg to the floor and repeat the same. Do this exercise 8 to 10 times on both the legs.

Boat Pose
This a simple Pilates exercises for beginners. To do this exercise, lie on your back. Extend your legs out and hands on top of your head. Simultaneously lift both your hands and legs off the floor. Hold this position for a couple of seconds, before you release and repeat the exercise.

Leg Circles
This is one of the Pilates reformer exercises, but it can also be done without the reformer as well. To do this exercise, lie with your back , such that both your legs are extended straight. Lift the right leg off the floor and point the toes outwards. Activate the abs muscles and make 8 to 10 clockwise and 8 to 10 anti-clockwise circles. When you are making the circles, do not move your torso or your hips. Switch legs and repeat the same.

Plank Pose
One of the best Pilates moves. You can easily include this exercise in your gym workouts. Lie chest down on your mat. Place your hands next to your shoulders. Slowly push your body, like you would in a push up. Contract the abdominal muscles and ensure your entire body is in a straight line. Hold the position and repeat the same 5 to 7 times.

These were some of the easy and simple Pilates exercises to work the abdomen. Before you start off your Pilates workout routines, do not forget to do some warm up exercises. If you do not warm up, chances are high, that you will injure yourself.