Fitness for All: Pilates Moves to Help You Get Bikini Ready

Pilates is one of the best ways to tone the hips, thighs, waist and abs, all places that you want tone when you are donning your bikini on the beach this summer.

Pilates exercises

Here are the some Pilates moves that you should be doing for that beach bod,

“The Hundred” - Start lying on your back and lift your legs 45 degrees off the mat and lengthen out through your arms as you lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor. Pump your arms vigorously up and down five times on an inhalation and five times on an exhalation. Repeat 10 times for 100 pumps.

“Single-leg circles” - Start lying on your back and lift your right leg up and keep your body still as you make 8 clockwise circles, then 8 counter-clockwise. Repeat with your left leg.

“Single-leg straight-leg stretch” - Start lying on your back and lift your head, neck, and shoulders up. Kick your left leg straight up and pull twice with your hands as you lengthen your right leg, then switch and pull the right leg. Continue alternating legs for 8 reps.

“Double leg stretch” - Pull your knees to your chest and lift your head and neck off the floor. Extend your arms overhead and your legs out to 45 degrees, then circle your arms around and pull your knees back in to your chest. Repeat 8 times.

“Small circles” - Start lying on your side with your legs slightly in front of your hips. Lift your top leg a few inches, turn your toes up to the ceiling. Circle your leg forward 8 times then backwards 8 times, making tiny circles. Don't let your body rock at all:stay solid in your center. Repeat on the left side.