Prepare the Body for a Great Pilates Workout with the Proper Pilates Warm-Up Exercises
Doing Pilates is a wonderful way to stretch and tone muscles without having to undergo a rigorous workout. However, if done incorrectly, Pilates can lead to injured muscles. Thus, before beginning any pilates workout, it is important to get the muscles ready with the right Pilates warm-up exercises.
Also, be sure to wear exercise clothing that is not too tight. The key to Pilates is to have a relaxing yet beneficial workout, and tight clothing can restrict movement. Alternately, the clothing should not be too loose either, so the suitable attire might be a simple t-shirt and sweat pants.
Pilates Warm-Up Exercise #1: The Swinging Warm Up
The goal of this Pilates warm-up exercise is to get the spine and back muscles warmed up. It is important to do this exercise slowly since the back muscles can be very sensitive. In a standing position with legs slightly apart, reach the arms straight upwards, inhale, and be sure to keep the abdominal muscles tight.
Then exhale as the arms slowly come down, the knees bend a little, and the back arches forward into a slight curve, with the head and neck relaxed as well. With the abdominal muscles still tight, inhale, and slowly straighten the back to return to the original standing position. This entire process for this Pilates warm-up exercise should be repeated in total about 20 times.
Pilates Warm-Up Exercise #2: The Chest Stretch
It is very important to properly stretch the chest muscles to allow for good breathing during a pilates workout. For this Pilates warm-up exercise, be in a standing position with the legs slightly apart. Take the arms and stretch them out in front of the body with the palms facing upwards and inhale deeply.
While exhaling, stretch the arms straight up, and then let go down to the sides of the torso. It is important to keep the back straight each time during the entire process, and this Pilates warm-up exercise should be repeated 10 times.
Safety
The key with any pilates warm-up exercise is slow and gradual movement. After all, doing Pilates should not be as strenuous as running a marathon. To be sure that any exercise is being done correctly, it is important to first consult a professional. With the proper know-how, Pilates warm-up exercises are sure to prepare the body for any Pilates experience.
