Mind Over Muscle: 6 Pilates Method Exercises

These days, it’s almost impossible to walk into a gym, look at the schedule and not see multiple Pilates classes listed. Pilates is an exercise method created by Joseph Pilates, a German man who spent time as a bodybuilder, circus performer, self defense trainer and gymnast. This combined with yoga formed the basis of Pilates, which was originally a method he used to strengthen and train inmates during the Second World War.

Upon moving to America, he and his wife opened a studio in New York where they began teaching his methods to the public. His system, originally called Contrology focused on the core muscles, posture, breathing and alignment of the spine, and also using the mind to control the muscles. His method spread like wildfire amongst dancers and performers in the area and today has over 14 million practitioners worldwide, with 14,000 Pilates instructors in the U.S. alone.

These are my favorite 6 Pilates exercises, they’ll get your core firm in no time:

1. The Scissor
2. The Seated Twist with Triceps
3. Double Leg X
4. The Breast Stroke
5. The Starfish Extension
6. The Hundred

For full-length workouts, check out the Pilates videos on beYOU.tv!

Written by: Donnell Peavy