Developed by Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method is a form of exercise that targets the powerhouse of the body –
the abdominal, lower back and buttocks which allow the rest of the body to move freely. However, there is much to
Pilates than its being a form of exercise. It is a series of controlled movements that promote strength and
flexibility.
There are more than 500 exercises involved in Pilates. All of these exercises are developed and maintained to
strengthen and condition the body. Today, these exercises are disclosed to the public and so the secret of Pilates
is revealed.
Now, if you are one of those who are looking for free Pilates Method exercise information, I have here a simple
collection of free Pilates Method exercises that cover the core principles of the Pilates approach. Note the
following for you might perform these free Pilates Method exercises one of these days:
Breathing and Hollowing
The most basic free Pilates Method exercises actually teach you how to use the deepest abdominal muscles, the
transverse. The transverse is the muscle that will pull the belly contents in. To train this muscle, the best way
is to breath. On the other hand, the hollowing is the transverse abdominals deflating the belly in. It must
initiate in every Pilates exercise first. So to start, lie on the back with your legs bend. The hands are placed
one inch below the navel on both sides. In this free Pilates method exercise, simply inhale and exhale using your
breath, and hollow by sinking your belly towards the sacrum.
Thigh Lift
To start with this free Pilates method exercise, simply lie on the back with parallel legs bent and feet in the
floor. Place your hands on the femoral folds. Then, inhale and breathe wide into the back body. Exhale to deflate
your abdominals in and lift the bent right leg. Inhale and lower the right thigh back to its original position.
Then, exhale with a hollow and lift the bent left thigh up to 90 degrees, and repeat for three more sets. Advance,
hollow and lift both bent legs up and repeat threemore times.
Spinal Flexion
This free Pilate Method exercise is the crunch in traditional exercises. To start with this free Pilates method
exercise, you lie on the back with parallel legs bent. Lace the hands behind the head. Inhale and feel the lower
ribs broaden and lengthen on the floor with breath. Exhale, hollow and sink the lower ribs into the floor as the
head floats off the floor. Then, return the spine back to the floor by matching the length of the front ribs to the
back ribs. Repeat three more times.
Bridging
Bridging is a free Pilates Method exercise that involves the use of legs to lift the pelvis. In this free Pilates
Method exercise, the legs lift faster than the tailbone. One should feel the spine lift as one section.
Rotation
Finally, here is rotation which involves free Pilates Method exercises like the mat exercise, the saw and the
corkscrew. These exercises use the obliques. All you need to do is to lie on the back with knees bent and feet in
parallel. Place the hands in front of the pelvis. Then, inhale and gently drop the knees to the right. Exhale,
hollow and engage the left internal obliques to rotate the pelvis to the original position. Inhale and gently drop
the knees to the left. Then, repeat the second movement. You can do this free Pilates Method exercise for four more
sets.
You can see some exercises on this video
Editor.
Articles on Health
Content on this site is provided for information purposes only and is in no way intended to
replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. Our intention is to focus on overall health issues or
strategies. For specific guidance regarding personal health questions, we advise consultation with a qualified
health care professional familiar