People have always tried new ways to stay fit and there have been many new exercise routines that have come to the fore. One of the effective routines to stay fit are Pilates exercises for men, this routine was introduced by Joseph Pilates a boxer and gymnast himself. Lot of people confuse Pilates as a form of cardio exercise but in reality it is categorized as a strength training routine. So, what is Pilates? Well it concentrates mostly on developing the stabilizer muscles, namely the abdominal, hip, buttock and back. This training routine uses specialized fitness equipment to work the different muscles in the body. Some of the equipments used are Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, etc.
Pilates Workouts
Swan
You can do Pilates exercises at home, like the swan extension. Lie face down on an exercise mat and place your hands palms down on the floor close to your chest. Now lift your torso off the floor by extending your arms, make sure your hips stay on the floor. Once you are all the way up hold position for 10-15 counts and slowly come back down.
Boat
Lie down on your back with your hands extended over your head and palms facing the ceiling, legs should also be fully extended. This will be your start position, now exhale and lift both your arms and your legs off the ground. Go as far up as you can and hold the position for a few seconds and come back down in a controlled manner. This is one of the best Pilates exercises for abs.
Leg Stretch
For Pilates exercises with bands, try the leg stretch. Lie down on your back with your legs extended in front of you, now have the midsection of a resistance band around the right foot and hold the ends of the band in your hands. Now without bending your knee, lift your right leg while maintaining the tautness of the band. Repeat the movement with the other leg.
Hundred
This is one of the best pilates exercises for beginners, all you will need is an exercise mat for this routine. Lie down on your back and bend your knees and bring them close to your chest. Once you have your knees on the chest region lift your chest and shoulders off the mat and try and touch the knees.
Leg Circles
This is one of the basic pilates exercises for men, lie down on your back with your feet extended without bending your knees. Now lift the right leg off the floor and rotate your leg in such way as if you are drawing circles with your toe. First rotate your leg clockwise then rotate it anti clockwise, after you have done the desired repetitions repeat the movement with the other leg.
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