Pilates Sample Exercises

Pilates is very similar to yoga in that synchronizing your breath with the movement is vital to performing positions properly. Some Pilates movements, such as The Hundred, is literally propelled by breath. Some Pilates instructors will ask participants to really force the breath out audibly, straight from the diaphragm, in order to make certain no one is holding breath back on a movement.

You’ll also notice that as you become more familiar with Pilates, many of the postures resemble asanas in yoga. In fact, there is an increased interest in Yoga Pilates methods. As with many yoga disciplines, the practice of Pilates is rooted in the foundation established by Joseph Pilates, but variations do exist. Some postures will be named differently, depending on the method.

Scroll down for Pilates sample exercises that you can perform easily on a mat.

Pictures of Pilates Sample Exercises

Performing Double Straight Leg with a ball increases strength and flexibility	The Pilates Plank Pose is very similar to yoga's Plank Pose	When performing The Hundred, legs are raised at an angle, abdominals are activated, and yes, you pump your arms 100 times
In Single Leg Stretch, the motion comes from the abdomen while the pelvis stays very still	When performing Single Leg Stretch, the trick is to pulse the leg a couple of times before raising the other	The Pelvic Curl warms up the back and lower body

The Pilates “Imprint”

The key to adapting good postures in Pilates is perfecting the spine/abdominal imprint. Understanding the difference between a pelvic area in neutral verses imprint will help you maximize the impact of the exercise and avoid injury.

Visit Think Pilates for a diagram that explains the Pilates imprint.

More Information

Find more Pilates sample exercises at Pilates Style magazine.