Working up a sweat is a great way to boost your mood, but not all workouts require the expense and time commitment of going to the gym. One popular bodyweight exercise that you can do practically anywhere is Pilates. This article contains detailed instructions for how to do it at home with these simple moves.
Pilates is a type of workout that uses equipment like weights, stretch bands and benches to help exercisers achieve a full-body workout. Pilates at home can be done with the help of equipment but is also often offered as part of a commercial gym membership. Pilates should be done in an area that is moderately paced and sturdy.
A room without windows or a door can work well, but it's important to ensure the area can support heavy weights and buy enough pilates equipment to cover every eventuality. A lot of Pilates revolves around holding postures for lengthy periods of time so it's important to find the right gear and clothing that will let you complete the exercises comfortably.
Try wearing sneakers or athletic pants with compression sleeves and a sports bra for added support. While Pilates is definitely an intense workout, overdoing it on your own will only cause frustration. Start by working out for around 10 minutes per day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the exercises.
Pilates is known for its ability to increase your flexibility and range of motion. This is great news if you're looking to avoid tightness and pain in areas like the neck, back, hips and shoulders.