|| HUNDRED || Hundred is my move of the day and is a classical Pilates exercise that helps to tone your abs! Adding a set of 2lb dumbbells makes this move even more challenging for the core, and it will help to create lean, sexy arms too!
Benefits:
• Strengthens and tones the abdominals.
• Warms up the entire body and increases blood flow.
• Tones the arms and upper body.
• Coordinates breath with movement.
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1 — Start by lying supine with arms by the sides holding the dumbbells, and knees into the chest. Engage the abdominals by pulling the belly button in and curl the head and shoulders off the mat.
2 — Extend the legs out to a high diagonal with the heels together and toes apart in a Pilates “V.” Lift the arms above the level of the hips and begin pumping up and down vigorously, as you inhale for 5 counts and exhale for 5 counts.
3 — Repeat x10 and that makes 100!
4 — Hug the knees into your chest and lower the head and shoulders onto the mat. Move the head from side to side to relax the neck.
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Tips: Keep the body still as you pump the arms by engaging the abdominals throughout the exercise. For more of a challenge, lower the legs closer to the floor, but only as far as you can keep the abdominal engagement without arching the back.
Modifications: If you are a beginner, practice this exercise without dumbbells and start with the legs in a tabletop position, knees bent above the hips and feet lifted as high as the knees. If that is too challenging, you can also perform the exercise with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor.
If you have any neck issues, do this exercise with the head down and use a small pillow or towel for extra support if needed.
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Photo by Sherry Dubash at KZP
Tights by Splits59
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