Pilates for Small Spaces

If you don’t have time (or the facilities) for a workout, you can start to feel sluggish very quickly. Bellevue Club Pilates instructor Elizabeth Hartpence shares a quick circuit you can perform right in your bedroom or living room. It’s guaranteed to get your blood pumping and relieve some stress.

01/07: Bent-knee Roll-down

Sit in an upright position with your knees bent and hands placed behind them. Engage your core muscles, focusing especially on the lower abdominals, and slowly roll back until your arms are straight. Pause, and return to an upright position. Complete three rounds of 8 to 10.

Benefits: Strengthens abdominals and stretches the back

02/07: Double-leg Stretch

From your back, draw the knees toward your chest, and curl your head and shoulders off the floor. Keep your arms firmly planted on the ground. Engaging your abdominals, straighten both legs out to about 45 degrees. Pause and return to the start position. Complete three rounds of 8 to 10.

Benefits: Strengthens abdominals and lubricates the hip joints

03/07: Single-Straight Leg Stretch

From your back, curl your head and chest off the floor and straighten your feet toward 90 degrees. Splitting the legs, bring the right foot toward your face while lowering the left toward the ground. Pause, and switch legs. Complete three rounds of 8 to 10.

Benefits: Strengthens abdominals and lubricates the hip joint.

04/07: Single-Leg Kick

Start on your stomach, using your forearms to hold yourself up. Make fists with your hands and push them together for stabilization. With a pointed toe, bend the right leg, getting the toe as close to the glutes as possible. Pause, and switch legs. Complete three rounds of 8 to 10.

Benefits: Stretches quadriceps, abdominals and back

05/07: Flying Eagle

Start in a facedown prostration position with your arms out straight above your head. Using your back muscles, lift the shoulders and arms out to the side. Pause, and return to the starting position. Complete three rounds of 8 to 10.

Benefits: Strengthens back, shoulders and abdominals. Lubricates shoulder joints.

06/07: Tree on Mat

From your back, straighten just your right leg to a 90-degree angle. Using your core, slowly roll the torso up and reach for the ankle of the right leg. Slowly roll back down. Pause, and switch legs. Complete three rounds of 8 to 10.

Benefits: Stretches hamstrings and strengthens abdominals

07/07: Laughing Baby

From your back, draw you knees toward your armpits and hold the arches of both feet. Be sure to keep your low back on the ground. Hold for as long as you need.

Benefits: Stretches hips and hamstrings