Want Pilates Comprehensive Pilates Guides

🔥 Mastering the Basic Pilates Movements

Learn how to master the basic Pilates movements with this step-by-step guide. Improve your strength, flexibility, and posture with The Hundred, The Roll-Up, The Saw, and The Side Kick exercises.

Mastering the Basic Pilates Movements

A person performing 'The Hundred' Pilates exercise
The Hundred
Begin by lying flat on your back. Lift your legs to a 45-degree angle, and raise your head and shoulders off the mat while extending your arms along your sides. Pump your arms up and down while breathing in for five counts and out for five counts. Repeat this ten times.
A person performing 'The Roll-Up' Pilates exercise
The Roll-Up
Start by lying flat on your back with your arms extended above your head. Inhale and start to curl your upper body off the mat, reaching your arms towards your toes. Exhale and slowly roll back down to the starting position. Repeat this movement.
A person performing 'The Saw' Pilates exercise
The Saw
Sit up straight with your legs spread wide and your arms extended to the sides. Twist your torso to the right, reaching your left hand towards your right foot. Pulse twice, then return to the center and repeat on the other side.
A person performing 'The Side Kick' Pilates exercise
The Side Kick
Lie on your right side with your legs straight and your left hand behind your head. Lift your left leg and kick it forward twice, then swing it back twice. Repeat this movement, then switch sides.

Are you ready to master the basic Pilates movements? Want Pilates has got you covered with a step-by-step guide to help you become a Pilates pro. In this guide, we will walk you through four essential Pilates exercises: The Hundred, The Roll-Up, The Saw, and The Side Kick.

Let's start with The Hundred. Begin by lying flat on your back and lift your legs to a 45-degree angle. Raise your head and shoulders off the mat while extending your arms along your sides. Now, pump your arms up and down while breathing in for five counts and out for five counts. Repeat this ten times to engage your core and warm up your body.

Next up is The Roll-Up. Lie flat on your back with your arms extended above your head. Inhale and start to curl your upper body off the mat, reaching your arms towards your toes. Exhale and slowly roll back down to the starting position. This exercise helps to strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve flexibility in your spine.

Now, let's move on to The Saw. Sit up straight with your legs spread wide and your arms extended to the sides. Twist your torso to the right, reaching your left hand towards your right foot. Pulse twice, then return to the center and repeat on the other side. The Saw is a great exercise for improving spinal mobility and stretching your hamstrings.

Lastly, we have The Side Kick. Lie on your right side with your legs straight and your left hand behind your head. Lift your left leg and kick it forward twice, then swing it back twice. Repeat this movement, then switch sides. The Side Kick targets your outer thighs, glutes, and obliques, helping to tone and strengthen these areas.

By incorporating these four exercises into your Pilates routine, you'll be well on your way to achieving a stronger core, improved flexibility, and better overall body alignment. Remember to always listen to your body and modify the exercises as needed.

Ready to take your Pilates practice to the next level? Visit Want Pilates for more in-depth guides, tips, and resources to help you on your Pilates journey. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Want Pilates has everything you need to enhance your Pilates practice. Get started today and unlock the countless benefits of Pilates for your mind and body.