Got 10 Minutes? Get A Better Body With Pilates
Author: Carrie Lauth

Pilates has got to be the perfect exercise for Moms. It requires no equipment. It can be done by people at all fitness levels, even the newly postpartum Mom. It isn't loud and can be learned quickly. And, 10 minutes a day can get you a longer, leaner body, soothe an aching back, tighten flabby Mommy abs, and help you de-stress!

Interestingly, George Pilates said that his exercise routine could produce results in only 10 minutes a day. Every Mom can find that much time! Here are 3 easy moves that you can do first thing in the morning or last thing at night when the kids are in bed.

Rolling Like a Ball

This move is just too much fun. But it also strengthens the abs and helps circulation to your spine. To do it, sit on the floor and hug your knees. Balance with your feet a few inches off the floor. Round your back so you look like a ball. Pull in your stomach and pelvic floor muscles, inhale and roll back to your shoulders, then exhale and come back up.

This is a challenging move at first. Do it 8 times.

Curl Ups

Lie on your back and bend your knees, keeping your feet on the floor. Put one hand behind your head and rest the other on your abs. Exhale, pull in your stomach muscles almost as tight as you can, then slowly bring your head up (not the shoulders). Keep your belly and pelvic floor muscles pulled in. Keep your neck tall. Then relax. Repeat 10 times.

The Arrow

This move strengthens the back muscles and abs and just plain feels great. Lie on your stomach and est your arms by your sides. Inhale and pull in your tummy and pelvic floor muscles almost as tight as you can. Then lift your shoulders and feet off the floor a few inches. Keep your neck long and your belly pulled in. Hold for a second then release. Do this 6 times.

Pilates is deceptive because although it doesn't look like you're doing much, it really works the muscles.

Try these moves and experience the many benefits of Pilates.

 

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