The benefits are myriad: better posture, stronger abdominal muscles, greater flexibility and reduced stress.
With a pedigree like that, who wouldnt want to start practicing Pilates right now?
Well, no more excuses!
Core Breathing
The essence of practicing Pilates starts with your core.
The area between your hands approximates your core.
Whether sitting or standing, find your best posture.
Chin Tilt
Sometimes simple is best and thats definitely the case with thisstress-relievingexercise.
Sit or stand while putting as much space as possible between your ears and shoulders.
Then gently nod your chin down towards your chest as if you are trying to hold an orange there.
You should feel a stretch down your neck and spine.
Repeat the chin tilt several times without curling the shoulders or upper back.
The tension relief from this simple move is immediate.
Shoulder Circles
Sit or stand in a tall upright position, engaging your core.
Circle the shoulders forward, up, down and back for 5 repetitions.
Reverse the circles the other way for 5 more repetitions.
The slower you go, the more tension youll release.
Sit or stand, looking straight ahead.
Tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder keeping the left shoulder from creeping up.
Feel the tension melt out of that left shoulder.
Repeat on the other side.
Sitting in your chair, cross one leg over the other at the knee.
You should feel a slight stretch in your calf and shin.
Start with 10 repetitions.
Repeat on the other leg.
This one is great for getting the oxygen flowing.
Stand with your feet hip-width-distance apart.
Your feet should be parallel, facing forward, and your core engaged.
Bend your knees out over your toes, then straighten back up.
Rise up onto the balls of your feet and then slowly lower your heels down to the floor.
Those calf muscles will burn after 15 or 20 of these!
