Pilates Highlights

New York Pilates instructor Jen Bleier introduced a hula hoop into her practice and Hoopilates was born. Get into the swing of it!

Explore the health and wellbeing issues concerning Pilates and pollution.

Warm up your muscles and revitalize your mind. Pilates instructor Eleanor Gomez demonstrates some everyday breathing and flexibility exercises to get you started.

In this video we learn a pilates move, the side lying knee circles.

Circling the extended leg challenges the core as deep muscles of the spine stabilize against the circular movement of the leg.

Learn how you can benefit from the Pilates exercise system and how it can improve your health.

Side Lying Adduction/Abduction with Ring is a variation of the original Pilates exercise “Side Leg Lift Series.” Using the ring adds resistance to help tone the muscles of the inner and outer thighs, the adductors and abductors. Keeping your abdominal muscles engaged while performing side lying exercises helps strengthen the core as well. You sculpt long, lean legs and flatten your abs.

Elbow Plank Twister is a variation of the Elbow Plank which is itself a variation of the original Pilates exercise Leg Pull Front. This variation further challenges the oblique abdominal muscles as the lower body rotates from side to side while the upper body remains stable. Elbow Plank Twister challenges the core, shrinks the waist and strengthens the shoulder girdle stabilizers.

Contributing Editor Selene Yeager demonstrates the Dipping Toes move, which strengthens abs as well as thighs

Follow along as Chris Freytag shows you how to sculpt your body with this Pilates routine

Try these tummy-tightening ab routines that use Pilates, core training and stability ball work