Pilates Abs Workout from Fitness Trainer Hollywood

Joseph Pilates was the creator of the exercises that still use his name today. He devoted a lifetime of studying and teaching ways of improving the body. We owe a great deal to him for his influence on the Pilates abs workout technique.

The primary focus of Pilates is the buttocks and abdominals, the relationship with that conditioning to muscle strengthening and flexibility, and posture improvement. The exercises require coordination of movement, breathing, and mental concentration.

Pilates does not pertain solely to the abs, but works to obtain and maintain a lean body. Incorporating these exercises into your program leaves no "spot toning" of body parts; the whole body takes part in the training.

Unlike the concept behind many exercise programs of more is better, Pilates is more concerned with the quality of each movement within limited reps. By not trying just to finish faster with more repetitions, it is more effective to be precise with the reps that you do complete.

The single straight leg stretch is the first exercise for you to try. Begin by lying on your back on the floor or mat and raise your legs with knees bent, keeping them parallel.

Place your hands on your knees with firm pressure and slowly inhale. Exhale and flex the upper body, and at the same time, extend both legs, one toward your body and one away from the body. The leg that is extended away from the body should be held slightly above the floor, and the one toward the body should be almost perpendicular with your body.

Reach your hands up and extend them behind the leg that is in the air, stretching as far as possible. Then inhale and switch legs. Alternate and complete the process on each leg five times.

Remember to keep all your movements smooth and deliberate. These exercises are not a race to finish as quickly as you can. The focus is to be made on each deliberate repetition.

The double straight leg stretch begins in the same position as the single leg. Raise your head slowly and place your hands behind it.

Raise and bend your legs in toward your body, keeping them together. Slowly straighten your legs and extend them up and out. Don't go perpendicular with your body because you want the abs to tighten. Keep your head off the floor during the process.

Lower your legs slowly, keeping them straight and together. Stop them about a foot from the floor and begin the exercise again. Do 10 repetitions of the movement.

The Roll Up is performed from the position on your back with legs extended straight and arms stretched up above your head. Lift your arms slowly toward the ceiling while breathing in. Keep your back on the floor.

Breathe out and roll forward bringing your spine off the floor. Keep your stomach muscles tight.

Stretch your hands forward over your body as you breathe in, trying to reach as far as you can. Breathe out and slowly roll back to the starting position. Repeat this movement a total of five times.

Remember to do all exercises slowly and smoothly, breathing correctly as you go. The Pilates abs workout conditions the body and promotes good posture. It is an essential part of a quality workout program.