From Hollywood celebrities to the girl next door- Pilates is a great way to improve your endurance, mental well-being, strengthen your muscles and make your body more flexible. People who do Pilates have better posture and experience overall better health.

No need for a gym. All you need is a floor and a mat to lie down on. Your body will use it’s own weight as resistance.

This Pilates “Criss Cross” exercise – focuses on your abdominals and obliques- will tone your body:

1) Lie on your back, legs bent into your chest and hands behind your head, elbows out.

2) Pull your belly in deeply—think of sinking your navel to the floor—as you pull your chin to your chest and try to get your shoulders off the floor.

3) Reach your right elbow toward your left knee (letting your elbow touch your knee if you can) and slowly stretch your right leg long. Slowly switch sides.

4) Keep twisting and lifting your shoulders as high as you can. Repeat for 5 sets or until you lose your form. Try to work up to 10 sets as you get stronger.

In a world where you often have little control, it’s wonderful to care of your body and mind with contrology Ann Arbor. This control builds confidence which will creep into other areas of your life.

Concentration, breathing and flowing movements are all part of these exercise principles.

Now that we’ve crossed into a new season, use this “Criss Cross” exercise and get strong abs -and improve your strength and flexibility.