The "Hundred" Pilates Core Exercise with BodyTrends' Fitness Tubes

By Lisa A. Leonard, CPT

Amp up the "Hundred" with the added resistance of Fitness Tubes. Choose a level that challenges, without compromising form.

Muscles Worked: Abs, Shoulders, and Triceps

Instructions:

Lie face up on a Pilates/yoga mat on the floor. Securely wrap a resistance tube with handles around the feet and hold the handles in each hand. Extend legs to a 45-degree angle, keeping arms by your sides. Lift your head and shoulders off the mat and take 5 short, consecutive inhales, followed by 5 short, consecutive exhales (breathing through the mouth). At the same time, lift arms off mat and pulse them in unison with your breathing - palms face up on inhale, and down on exhale. Repeat 10 times for a total of 100 breaths.

Tips:

The neck should be flexed but not tense. If you find undue neck tension, try pressing your tongue to the roof of the mouth, just behind the teeth. This will release the neck muscles.