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5 Pilates Exercises To Do Every Day
Hi Beauties!
One of the most common requests I receive is to provide the top 5 Pilates exercises I would recommend that you do each day to feel good, improve muscle tone, and maintain mobility.
So, here they are!
These 5 moves were selected because of the way the incorporate your entire body, engage your muscles, and promote good posture and alignment.
>>>Print this guide and hang it a place where you’ll see it each day <<<
CLICK HERE to download!
1. Pelvic Curl
Lie on your mat with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Make sure your feet are hip-distance apart.
Inhale – prepare
Exhale – articulate your spine up into a bridge position one vertebra at a time
Inhale – pause at the top and reach your knees over your toes to open up your hip flexors
Exhale – soften your chest and articulate your spine down to the ground one vertebra at a time
Repeat 8-10x.
2. The Hundred
Lie on your mat with your knees in table top position. Gently hold behind your thighs, nod your chin to your chest and lift your head, neck and chest up off of the mat using your abdominals Flatten your back into the mat, reach your arms forward and extend your legs on a 45 degree angle.
Inhale for the count of 5 – pumping your arms as you go
Exhale for the count of 5 – continuing to pump your arms
Repeat the breath cycle 10x.
3. Single Leg Stretch
Lie on your mat with your knees in table top position. Gently hold behind your thighs, nod your chin to your chest and lift your head, neck and chest up off of the mat using your abdominals. Place both hands on your right knee as you extend your left leg out on a 45 degree angle.
Inhale – switch legs, drawing your bent knee in toward you and flexing at the hip crease
Exhale – switch legs
Perform 8-10 reps on each side.
4. Teaser
Lie on your back with your legs long and arm yours down by your side.
Inhale – raise you arms up by your ears
Exhale – drop the shoulder blade down onto the back
Inhale – raise your straight legs up off of the mat and reach your arms toward your toes, beaming your chest to the sky
Exhale – lower your body with control to return to starting position
Repeat 8-10x.
5. Swimming
Lie on your tummy with your arms stretched out in front of you. Lengthen your lower back and pull your belly button off of the mat. Float your arms, legs and head off of the floor, keeping your gaze down toward the mat.
Perform a swimming motion by raising your right arm and left leg, then switching to the other side, maintaining stable trunk the entire time.
As you move the arms and legs quickly, the breath pattern is one inhale per two swims and one exhale per two swimming motions.
Repeat for 8-10 breaths.
So there you have it, the 5 daily Pilates moves I would recommend anyone do daily! They are also a great addition to any workout, walk, or run. CLICK HERE to download your free printable!
Give them a try today and let me know how it goes in the comments!
xo,
PS – New to Pilates? Check out my FREE 5-day challenge, Pilates Strong, here! Perfect for those looking to get off on the right foot with their Pilates journey!
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22 thoughts on “5 Pilates Exercises To Do Every Day”
Loved this! I just found out I’m pregnant with baby #4, so this was perfect! My low energy and nausea has taken its toll and I was feeling extra bummed that I can’t work out like before (I should know this 4 babies in, right?!) this was just the right amount to get me off the couch and on the mat. Quick question: whenever I do any kind of exercise sitting on my tailbone so to speak (ex the teaser, Russian twists, etc) my tailbone feels uncomfortable and I have to shift to one “cheek” ? to get comfortable. But then I compromise the exercise. Is this normal? Just a weak core or something else? I generally shy away from several Pilates moves because of it. Thanks!
Congratulations, Keri! We’re so excited for you and your family—what a gift. 🙂 Great question, too. I had a tailbone injury as a kid, and those kinds exercises are uncomfortable for me, as well. It’s likely just an anatomy thing as opposed to a weak core. We recommend you give your tailbone some extra padding (using a small towel) for those exercises!
Thanks! I will definitely try that.
I can see the value of these daily essentials but am wondering if I am doing the single-leg stretch correctly. Please tell us what this stretch should accomplish. Thank you so much.
Thank you I totally loved this needed this…55 year old runner but I need something else. This just may be the ticket.. my arms and core need work. Thank you so much
I’d love it if this was a video! 🙂 I know Robin might struggle to do it right now but maybe something to think about… Thanks for the info
In the Single Leg Stetch, is the straight leg really supposed to be at a 45 degree angle? I thought it was just supposed to hover over the mat.
Good question, @Mary! 45 degree is recommended for most, but if you are able to maintain a strong, stable pelvis and and engaged “TA” then you can lower that leg for more of a challenge. 🙂
Nice post thanks for sharing information with us. This tips are really awesome and helpful for those people who want to live fit and fine .Keep posting such kind of blogs. Syringe Filters
Hi Jordin. That’s a great sharing. It sounds interesting, I never do Pilates Exercises before. What I do at present is Zimba exercise at home, I have a look here http://www.womensedge.org/best-zumba-dvds/. I love dancing so I choose it and I’m planing to loss weight about 20 kg.By the way, Is Pilates Exercises the same kind of Yoga? I do not know much about kinds of exercises. Could you give me suggestion? Thank you in advance for your kindness.
Great question, Issie! Pilates and yoga are both done on a mat, so that makes them look very similar. However, the exercises are quite different. Pilates exercises focus on completing a certain number of repetitions, while yoga exercises are usually holding poses. Pilates focuses on muscle toning, while yoga focuses on balance and flexibility. Both practices have great benefits!
thank you,What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
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Hi there! Pilates and yoga are both done on a mat, so that makes them look very similar. However, the exercises are quite different. Pilates exercises focus on completing a certain number of repetitions, while yoga exercises are usually holding poses. Pilates focuses on muscle toning, while yoga focuses on balance and flexibility. Both practices have great benefits!
I am looking for something daily Do you often switch out poses on a daily basis ? I have sprained my ankle and am looking at something quick and easy I can do in the mornings before I leave for work
You can do each of these daily Kailyn, or feel free to swamp them out to modify for your injury! Remember to listen to your body and take it slow!
I’d love it if this was a video! ? I know Robin might struggle to do it right now but maybe something to think about… Thanks for the info.
What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Thank you for your message, Bessa! We’re always looking for feedback and workout suggestions ?
Historically, yoga has been a spiritual practice, while Pilates has been focused on physical rehabilitation. Pilates workouts help strengthen the core, improve posture, stabilize the spine, and develop balance and overall strength. While yoga shares some of the same benefits, it focuses more on specific asanas / poses, as well as breath work. Both are great workouts, and it comes down to what works best for you and helps you feel your healthiest ? I hope this helps!
Yes please, yes please, yes please a daily video would make this so easy!!!!
I am very thankful for this “5 Pilates Exercises” guide, thank you! Curious though…. when I printed it out using your “click here” link, the 5 exercises that printed are not the same as the 5 exercises that appear in the body of the post. The last two are different; instead of #4 Teaser and #5 Swimming, what prints is Leg Circles and Roll-Ups. Although I realize ALL of these would be beneficial, in the spirit of the “5 best to do everyday” would you recommend the Teaser/Swimming or the Leg Circles/Roll-Up version?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Thanks for bringing that to our attention, Kathleen! While either version will give you great movement for your body, we recommend the Leg Circles / Roll-up version, though if you’re looking for a greater challenge then using the Teaser / Swimming version. You’re building strength with both options!
thank you for this “5 Pilates Exercises” guide
You’re most welcome! We’re here for you and cheering you on!