Pilates is renowned for its ability to build solid core strength, but some of its best core-boosting exercises can often fly under the radar. Below, Pilates Instructor Lotty Campbell Bird, Founder of the Collective Fitness Studio, has shared three underrated exercises that’ll help you build phenomenal core strength, which are perfect for bolting onto the end of your workout. They'll improve your posture and stability, and you won’t need any equipment for them, just an exercise mat.
“Strengthening our deep core muscles through Pilates creates a strong central base for the body,” Lotty says. “This acts to support major joints, reduce pain, and help prevent injury. A strong core also boosts stability and improves posture, which supports our functional movement and agility in everyday life, making us feel more stable and secure.”
This Pilates sequence takes you through three different core exercises that build in intensity. “You can repeat this sequence a few times a week for the next month and gradually build up to the harder variations to increase the challenge as you feel yourself starting to get stronger,” says Lotty. Since the exercises are designed to seamlessly flow from one to the next, we recommended following along to Lotty’s video above for the best experience. Here’s a quick preview of what the workout entails:
- Toe taps
- Leg extensions
- Plank
Want more Pilate-style workouts? This full-body flow not only builds strength from head to toe, but if your posture could do with some TLC, this will sort it out. Plus, no equipment is needed! Alternatively, if you're looking for a little more core-loving exercises, check out Lotty's top three core moves for beginners.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Forget Switch 2, your OG Nintendo Switch just got a mammoth free updateNever fear if you can't pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, the Switch and Switch Lite have been boosted with new system software
-
De'Longhi's new bean-to-cup coffee machine lets you enjoy 35 different barista drinks at homeYou'll never enter a coffee shop again
-
Forget boring cardio – this three-move barbell workout crushes through caloriesAnd builds plenty of muscle too!
-
This two-move total body boosts heart health and builds muscle enduranceTwo moves, 15 minutes and a full fitness fix
-
A beginner-friendly dumbbell workout to boost strength and muscle sizeGet started on your strength training journey with this simple four-move workout
-
This bodyweight EMOM workout cranks up your metabolism and builds muscle endurance20 minutes and a little grit is all you need
-
Three exercises to 'life-proof' your shoulders, according to a mobility expertHealthy shoulders mean better movement, more strength and less injury
-
Build unshakeable core strength with a kettlebell and these three exercisesAdd this to the end of your workout to fire up your midsection muscles
-
Supercharge your aerobic engine with this three-move rower workoutImprove your cardiovascular fitness and burn through calories
-
Arnold Schwarzenegger's 30-minute dumbbell workout for full-body gainsIncrease your strength and muscle mass in the time it takes to make tea – what’s not to love?
