The Best Mat Pilates Workouts For Better Abs

Mat Pilates is a great way to work your abs and get a flat stomach. There are a variety of mat Pilates exercises that you can do to target your abs and get a great workout. Here are some of the best mat Pilates workouts for better abs.

The Best Mat Pilates Workouts for Better Abs

Looking for a workout that will help you achieve better abs? Mat Pilates is a great option! Not only does it help to tone and strengthen the core muscles, but it can also be quite therapeutic.

There are many different mat Pilates workouts available, so it's important to find one that suits your needs and abilities. Here are two of the best mat Pilates workouts for better abs:

1. The Hundred: This is a classic mat Pilates exercise that is great for toning the entire body, including the abs. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your legs in the air and your arms by your sides. Raise your head and shoulders off the ground and pump your arms up and down 100 times.

2. Rolling Like a Ball: This exercise is great for targeting the oblique muscles (the muscles on the sides of the abdomen). To do this exercise, sit on your mat with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly and roll onto your back. Once you're on your back, engage your abs and roll up into a ball. Reverse the movement and roll back down to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.

How Mat Pilates Can Benefit Your Overall Health

When it comes to working out, there are endless options available to help you achieve your fitness goals. But if you're looking for a workout that specifically targets your abs, mat Pilates is a great option.

Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that can be beneficial for people of all fitness levels. And while it's often associated with women, men can benefit from mat Pilates workouts, too.

How Mat Pilates Works

Mat Pilates exercises are performed on a mat on the floor. The movements are gentle and slow, making them ideal for those who are new to exercise or dealing with injuries.

One of the main benefits of mat Pilates is that it helps to improve your posture. Many of the exercises focus on lengthening your spine and strengthening your core muscles, which can help to alleviate back pain.

Mat Pilates can also help to improve your flexibility and range of motion. The exercises help to lengthen your muscles and improve your joint mobility.

In addition to the physical benefits, mat Pilates can also help to improve your mental wellbeing. The mind-body connection that is developed during mat Pilates can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Single-Leg Stretch

One of the best mat Pilates workouts for better abs is the single-leg stretch. This exercise works the rectus abdominis, which is the muscle group that makes up the six-pack. To do the single-leg stretch, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your right hand behind your head and your left hand on your right knee. Use your abs to lift your head and shoulders off the floor and bring your right knee toward your chest. Hold for a count of five, then slowly lower back to the starting position. Repeat with the left leg.

Double Leg Stretch

One of the best mat Pilates workouts for better abs is the double leg stretch. This move targets the rectus abdominis, which is the muscle group that makes up your six-pack. To do the double leg stretch, Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, then lift your head and shoulders off the floor. Bring your right knee toward your chest, then straighten it back out. At the same time, bring your left knee toward your chest and reach your right hand toward it. Hold for a count of five, then repeat on the other side.

Criss Cross

This Pilates move is great for toning your abs and obliques. To do the Criss Cross, start in a sit-up position with your knees bent and feet on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and lift your shoulders off the ground. Bring your right elbow to your left knee as you straighten your right leg. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

Choose the Correct Pilates Mat

There are different types of Pilates mats available on the market, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you and your workout routine. If you plan on doing a lot of mat-based exercises, then it is worth investing in a thicker mat that will provide more support and cushioning. However, if you only occasionally do mat-based workouts, then a thinner mat may be more suitable. It is also important to consider the size of the mat, as some are longer and wider than others. Choose a mat that is the right size for your space and body type.

Rotate Your Routines

If you're looking for better abs, mat pilates is a great workout to try. But, like with any workout, it's important to mix up your routines to avoid boredom and plateaus. That's why we've put together a list of the best mat pilates workouts for better abs, so you can switch things up and keep seeing results.

1. Pilates Scissor: This move is great for toning your lower abs. Lie on your back with both legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Hold your right ankle as you lower your left leg toward the floor. Keep your abs engaged and switch legs.

2. Pilates Reverse Crunch: This move targets both your upper and lower abs. Lie on your back with both legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Use your abs to curl your hips off the ground and towards your chest, then slowly lower them back down.

3. Pilates Double Leg Stretch: This move stretches and strengthens your entire core. Lie on your back with both legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Reach your arms overhead and clasp your hands together. Use your abs to curl your hips.

Practice Consistency

When it comes to mat Pilates workouts, one of the best things you can do for better abs is to practice consistency. That means doing a little bit every day, or at least every other day. Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, those small sessions can really add up and make a big difference in your overall strength and definition.

Do Use Other Exercise Supplies

In addition to a mat, there are other supplies you can use to get the most out of your Pilates workout and achieve better abs. An exercise ball, for instance, can be used in a number of different positions to work your core muscles. Resistance bands can also be employed to add intensity to certain exercises. And if you really want to up the ante, try using weights during some of the moves that focus on the abdominal area. Just be sure not to overdo it – remember, Pilates is all about controlled movements and good form.

Conclusion

Mat Pilates is a great way to work on your abs and get a strong, toned core. These three mat Pilates workouts are some of the best for targeting the abdominals and helping you achieve better abs. Give them a try and see how they help you improve your strength, flexibility, and overall health.

Book A Port Moody & Coquitlam Pilates Class

Whether you just want to achieve a leaner, toned look, improve your range of movement or strength, or you’re recovering from an injury, come down to our Pilates Studio here in Port Moody and Coquitlam. Our expert instructors can help you design a plan that helps you recover quicker, get fitter faster, and stay active longer. You can book an appointment online, and our friendly staff is always available to answer any questions you may have.