Pilates For Six Packs Abs

Pilates For Six Packs Abs

by

Steven Giles

When you are doing Pilates, it is of great importance to maintain proper alignment and form. Remember to go slowly so that you keep good form. Learn some of the Pilates movements to get those six-pack abs and then include some of these exercises in your core workout routine.

You can begin your Pilates workout with the Straight Leg Stretch and follow that by the Single Leg Stretch. These exercises are good for both flexibility and strength.

The third Pilates exercise is known as the Double Leg Stretch. This exercise really challenges the abdominal muscles, so you must keep in mind the positioning of your lower back. If you think that your lower back is excessively arching, then it is time to really engage your abs.

The first three AB exercises were inspired by Pilates. The next two exercises that you should incorporate into your exercise program are more like some of the traditional AB exercises. However, there is overlap in many areas of different exercise programs.

The 4th Pilates stomach exercise for those six-pack abs is known as the Lower Leg Lifts. This movement is much like the reverse crunches, hip thrusts, or leg lifts.

The fifth Pilates exercise is Crossovers. This is much the same as bicycle crunches or doing the air bike exercise.

The Plank

Step 1: You want to take the position on your elbows and knees making sure to keep your fists together.

Step 2: Keeping your torso straight, extend your legs out straight so that you can balance on your toes and elbows. Pull your abs inward and hold this position for 10 slow counts. Repeat this exercise three times. If you want to challenge yourself then gradually build up to 30 counts.

Reverse Crunch

Step 1: Position yourself on your back and keep your legs up off the floor keeping them directly over your hips and your legs should be extended upward. Your hands should be behind your head.

Step 2: Your neck and shoulders should be relaxed and your abs pulled in as you lift your tailbone off the floor about an inch. Lower back to the start position. Repeat this exercise 8 to 15 times. If you really want to challenge yourself, then as you lift, your hips should roll slightly backward so that your knees move towards your chest a few inches.

Back Lift

Step 1: Position yourself on the floor with your legs and arms out straight. Your forehead should be resting on the floor and your abs pulled in tight.

Step 2: Lift your right arms and your left leg off the floor. Hold this position for a count of 5 and then repeat with your other side. Continue the back lift slowly alternating for a total of 5 repetitions on each side. If you really want to challenge yourself then move your arms and your legs quickly like you were in a pool swimming through the water. Do 20 to 30 repetitions per side.

Here you have some Pilates exercises that will help you get the six-pack abs that you always wanted.

There are a range of DVD’s on sale at www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist.

Please visit my blog at http://stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2 The author, Steven Giles is a 55 year old former accountant who has been suffering from back pain for several years and has found that Pilates provides relief from this. He lives in Greater Manchester in the North-West of England.

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