Bec Chidiac, Co-Owner of Peaches Pilates has pulled together the ultimate ab blasting workout to strengthen your core. Get ready to feel the burn with these 5 Pilates exercises that are sure to tone your abs and work on your Pilates corset. The best part? You can do them in the comfort of your own home!
1. Single Leg Stretch
Lay on your back and tuck your tailbone under so that your lower vertebrae press into the mat – this posture is called ‘imprint’, and it will protect your lower back, while helping you to correctly activate your deep core muscles! Curl up, and pull one knee into your chest, while extending the other out nice and long. Switch legs, repeating this move while keeping your shoulder blades off the mat! Complete 20 each leg.
2. Bicycles
Keeping your spine in imprint, take your hands behind your head and curl up so your shoulders remain off the mat. Take your legs into table-top (bent at 90 degrees), and as you curl over to one side, extend the opposite leg. Complete 20 each leg.
3. Scissors
Curl up so that your shoulder blades are off the mat, and tuck your chin in towards your chest to protect your neck. Extend one leg towards the ceiling, while the other floats above the floor, aiming to keep both legs completely straight. Grab behind the knee as you switch legs. Complete 20 on each leg.
4. Adductor Ab Curls
This is a great way to activate your inner thighs, while also focussing on your lower tummy. Place a folded tea towel or pilates ball between your legs. Imprint your spine, and take your hands behind your head. As you curl up, squeeze the tea towel or ball firmly. Repeat 20 times.
5. Side Lying Leg Lift
Grab your Pilates ball, as we’re going to get some waist action and some oblique work. Put the ball between your ankles. Lay down onto your side and rest your head onto your left arm. Bring your legs to the front corner of the mat, tuck your tailbone under and squeeze your butt cheeks together. Create a little gap between your waist and the floor. Inhale deeply, then exhale as you lift both legs, keeping your ball between your ankles and your feet flexed. Inhale to lower, exhale to lift.
Make sure your top hip doesn’t fall backwards whilst doing this exercise. If it does, then don’t lift your legs as high. Do this 20 times then repeat for 20 on the other side.
For more core workouts like this, head over to Peaches Online.
Still want more? Click here for a Pilates Booty Burner Workout and here for How a Year of Pilates Changed My Life.
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