Pilates For Beginners - Some Basic Exercises to Get You Started

When commencing Pilates for beginners, it can appear very daunting, as you need to understand the concentration, different exercises, the focus and body awareness that all need to come together in a cohesive form.

With practice you will be able to have better flexibility, develop a better posture and start to note that your movements are becoming more efficient, even in your daily activities.

If you are taking Pilates classes and want to be able to practice at home then these are some very basic Pilates for beginners exercises tht will help you.  These Pilates exercises will work on your pelvic area, your abdominal muscles and they will help with better spine alignment as well as increasing mobility.

1.  Finding your neutral spine - this is the basic position that you use for starting Pilates mat exercises.  To start off you need to push your lower back to the floor, so you have a flat connection.  Then release this to a small arching position.  The area between the floor and the arched position is where the natural curves of your spine will be in the neutral position.

2.  Arms over position - this will make sure your body alignment is kept in check even when you are moving your arms overhead.   You need to start on your mat in the neutral position and inhale as you start to take your arms over your head so they point to the ceiling.  As you begin to exhale take your arms down to the mat behind your head.  Repeat these two simple movements.     This move will help to create  more taut abdominal muscles.

3.  Sweeping (or Angel) Arms - this move will use different muscles to the one above and will teach you how you can use your arms and shoulders without the need to throw your ribcage and back out of their correct alignment.  To start, take your neutral positon on the floor, then inhale and take your arms out to the side.  As you start to exhale you bring your arms back to your sides.  Whilst doing this pilates move keep your abdominal muscles engaged, and keep your shoulders away from your ears, with your ribcage down.