Through our #LSpaceFitnessFridays series, we've grown to appreciate the healing power of movement. Yes, these are stressful times - so don't forget that a little exercise can go a long way in improving not just your body, but your mental state as well.
Fitness instructor Julia Garcia teaches classes that focus on movement, mindful, and meditation, all while delivering a killer burn. She took over our page for a live 30-minute HIIT Pilates class that did not disappoint, and now she's sharing some pilates moves that will challenge your abs and improve your posture (much needed after working from home slumped over for a whole year, right?!)
Read on for Julia's 5 pilates moves for a stronger core and better posture!
Hey L*Space fam! It was so nice connecting with all of you on Fitness Fridays! I hope you all enjoyed the 30min HIIT Pilates workout. I realize many of us are still at home, so I hope this was a good way for you to start moving your body and vibin’ high.
Speaking of being home, since many of us are still working from home, I put together a list of the 5 best pilates moves to create a stronger core and better posture that are easy to do - right next to your desk!
Pilates Move #1: Pilates Bridges
- Start on your back and bring your heels under your knees. With your palms on the mat, bring your hips in line with your chest. Draw your belly button in and squeeze your glutes.
- Exhale on your way up and inhale on your way down without resting on the mat.
- Do this for 1 min with a 10 second pulse or rest in between. Repeat for 4 rounds.
Pilates Move #2: Roll Ups
- Start laying flat on the mat, and flex your toes towards your face.
- Reach your hands overhead and then towards your toes as you tuck your chin and lead with your forehead.
- Inhale on the way up and exhale on the way down, lowering yourself slowly and controlled.
- Set your timer for 20 seconds of work and take 10 seconds of rest and repeat for 4 rounds.
Pilates Move #3: Forearm Plank
- Start on your belly and bring your elbows under your shoulders. Tuck your toes and bring your torso off the mat.
- Push the floor away from you and give yourself a nice round shoulder girdle as you bring your belly button into your spine and squeeze your glutes.
- Set your timer for 20 seconds of work and take 10 seconds of rest and repeat for 4 rounds.
Pilates Move #4: Superman Pulses
- Start on your belly and reach your arms overhead. Keep your shoulders away from your ears as you bring your legs and arms off of the mat.
- Tuck your chin and make sure your gaze is towards the edge of your mat.
- Exhale up and inhale down as you repeat the move. And be sure to squeeze your glutes and point your toes.
- Set your timer for 20 seconds of work and take 10 seconds of rest and repeat for 4 rounds.
Pilates Move #5: Side to Side Pulse Squats
- Start with feet a little wider than hip width. Head and chest up and shoulders back and down. Draw your belly button in as if you are bracing for a punch. Keep your back in neutral, which is the natural curve in your lower back. Avoid overly tucking or tilting your hips.
- Feel the weight in your heels as you step to the right and then come back to center and then step to the left and come back to your center starting position.
- Breathe in through your nose as you pulse down and exhale through your mouth as you pulse up. Stay low with only a micro bend in your knees as you come up to step out.
- Set your timer for 20 seconds of work and take 10 seconds of rest and repeat for 4 rounds.
+ Follow Julia on Instagram here
+ Check out Zen Hot Wellness here