Very Basic Pilates Exercises for Beginners

Physically active individuals willing to try pilates for the first time are excited to do the routines they have watched on TV shows or public advertisements. However, like any type of fitness program, some things are required that would help in doing the routines. It is necessary to wear comfortable and light clothing that would allow you to perform the routine. Purchase a good pilates mat that’s at least ½ inch thick since it would serve as your cushion against the floor. Select a quiet place where you can do pilates exercise for beginners that would enable you to focus on to the routines. Once you have the necessary materials and a good location, try performing the pilates exercise for beginners: Warm Up – Typically, an exercise begins with a proper warm-up. Stretching is a good start so you can warm up your body. In the case of pilates exercise for beginners, the warm up can be done lying down on your back. A fundamental routine that you have to learn is the neutral position which is neccessary for any pilates exercise for beginners. The neutral position involves raising your knees with hip width apart and holding for a few seconds. Then, you slowly bring down your back on the floor.

The Hundred This is the most basic pilates mat work that every beginner must do. The purpose of this exercise is to wake up the body and warm it up for harder routines later. Simply lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Remember to curl your head and shoulders as you lift them up from the mat. Gradually reach for your legs at a certain level ( bent at 90 degrees). The arms have to move upward and downward while breathing for five counts. You have to do this with ten breaths. Repeat ten times.

The Roll Up - First, lie down on your back. Raise your arms to the ceiling and gradually go all the way up. Again, curl your head and shoulders as you roll your way up placing your head towards your knees.Then, slowly roll back to your first position and lie down with your arms reaching out.