Maximize Your Total Gym Workout with These 4 Pilates Exercises
Pilates is a great way to strengthen your core muscles, improve your flexibility, and enhance your overall fitness level. When combined with a Total Gym workout, Pilates exercises can take your fitness routine to the next level. Here are four Pilates exercises that you can incorporate into your Total Gym workout to maximize your results.
The Hundred
The Hundred is a classic Pilates exercise that targets your core muscles and helps to improve your endurance. To perform The Hundred on the Total Gym, lie on your back on the glideboard with your feet on the squat stand. Engage your core muscles and lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the glideboard. Extend your legs out straight and pump your arms up and down in a controlled motion. Breathe in for five counts and out for five counts, pumping your arms for a total of 100 counts. This exercise will help to strengthen your core, improve your breathing, and increase your overall fitness level.
Leg Circles
Leg circles are a great Pilates exercise for targeting your hip flexors, thighs, and abdominal muscles. To perform leg circles on the Total Gym, lie on your back on the glideboard with your hands holding onto the rails for stability. Lift your legs up towards the ceiling and draw small circles with your legs in a clockwise direction. Repeat the circles in a counterclockwise direction. This exercise will help to improve your hip flexibility, strengthen your core muscles, and tone your thighs.
Plank with Leg Lift
The plank with leg lift is a challenging Pilates exercise that targets your core, shoulders, and glutes. To perform this exercise on the Total Gym, start in a plank position with your hands on the glideboard and your legs extended behind you. Engage your core muscles and lift one leg up towards the ceiling, keeping your hips level. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your leg back down. Repeat on the other side. This exercise will help to improve your balance, strengthen your core muscles, and tone your glutes.
Side Plank with Twist
The side plank with twist is a dynamic Pilates exercise that targets your obliques, shoulders, and hips. To perform this exercise on the Total Gym, start in a side plank position with your elbow on the glideboard and your body in a straight line. Extend your top arm towards the ceiling and twist your torso, bringing your top arm under your body. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. This exercise will help to strengthen your obliques, improve your shoulder stability, and enhance your overall core strength.
Adding Pilates exercises to your Total Gym workout can help you achieve a stronger, more toned physique. Incorporate these four Pilates exercises into your routine to maximize your results and take your fitness to the next level.
