The Pilates workouts are many and varied. These workout routines come from the original Pilates developed by Joseph Pilates himself. Follow along with and illustrated guide or Pilates DVD. There are many to choose from fitting all skill levels. Here are a few of the best exercises below:
The Cork-Screw Sit in the middle of the mat and look ahead. Roll back onto the mat, arms bent at the elbows and hands under your head. Bend your legs then bring them up. keep your legs together. The rotation stems from your hips as you move your legs in a small circle. Start anticlockwise for 3 repetitions then move clockwise for an additional 3 repetitions. Bring your legs down and roll up.
Roll Like A Ball - You'll enjoy this one. While sitting on the mat with your legs in front of you grab your shins. You will be rolling from your abs so pull them in. Now try to balance on your behind as you lift your feet off the mat. Now for the fun part, inhale and roll yourself back. Stop before you get to your neck. You don't want to roll onto your head. As you breathe in roll yourself up to a sitting position.
One Leg Stretch one for the abdominals as well as balancing the core muscles. Lie on your back and bend your knees. Curl your head and shoulders off the mat. Grab one leg with your hands and extend the other leg away from you, toes pointed away. When the first leg comes back grab hold of it and extend the other leg.