Latest news with #Pilates
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Forget the gym — you just need 6 minutes to strengthen your core with this Pilates abs workout
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images It's never easy to find the time and motivation to train, but almost all of us can spare six minutes to do a workout that doesn't require any equipment. When it comes to motivation, that's a bit trickier, but at least with this short session from Pilates instructor Lilly Sabri, you know that you'll be finished in next to no time, and you'll be pleased to have done it. Advertisement If you do want to roll out one of the best yoga mats, it will make the session more comfortable as you'll be doing the entire workout lying down. Don't be fooled into thinking it will be an easy ride just because it's only six minutes long, either. Sabri suggests this as an intermediate workout, and you can be sure your abs will feel the effects of it afterwards. Watch Lilly Sabri's 6-minute core workout There are six exercises in the workout, and they are broken up by short breaks while Sabri explains what move is coming up next. Sabri does the workout with you, setting a pace for the exercises and providing tips to help you push through and get the most from it, so make sure you can see your screen throughout. Advertisement With a short workout like this, it's important to maximize each move, so make sure your form is correct and you're moving at the right pace to engage your core muscles. The workout features a mix of leg raises and sit-ups, along with the Hundreds exercise, which is a classic Pilates core-burner. The session works the upper and lower abs, your obliques through twisting moves, and the deep core muscles. There are no planks or bridges in the session, with all moves performed from the same lying position to make it easier and faster to transition between exercises. If you can make it a regular addition to your weekly routine, perhaps doing the workout three or four times a week — that's still just 18-24 minutes of work a week — is a great way to get into the rhythm of training regularly, and you'll notice your core strength improving. Advertisement You can also use this short core routine as a finisher for a longer workout, to ensure your abs get some special attention after a full-body circuit, for example. Once you have completed the workout comfortably, it will be worth looking at longer sessions to keep progressing. Or you could even double up on this workout for a testing 12-minute session. If you enjoyed this Pilates-style workout and are looking for something longer, try this 20-minute core workout, which also improves your balance. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.


CTV News
3 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Pilates for pain relief
Atlantic Watch Crystal Garrett visits a studio to find out how clinical Pilates can help those living with arthritis pain.


Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Natasa Stankovic and friend Aleksandar crush their weekday challenge with an intense workout; the benefits of step-based cardio
Dancer and model Natasa Stankovic recently shared a glimpse of her morning cardio routine, showcasing an intense workout session with her friend Aleksandar Alex Ilic. Sharing the clip, Natasa wrote in the caption, '#Mondaychallenge.' The video featured the duo performing exercises on an aerobic stepper, incorporating jumps and torso twists. Their routine combined basic yet effective movements that elevate heart rate and engage multiple muscle groups. Step-based cardio workouts are known for improving endurance, coordination, and overall cardiovascular health. But how effective are these exercises for long-term fitness goals? Dr Vajalla Shravani, MPT, fitness and Pilates expert at Tone30 Pilates, explains, 'Using an aerobic stepper introduces vertical movement that engages more muscle groups and increases workout intensity. Unlike floor-based exercises, stepping requires you to lift your body weight repeatedly, elevating heart rate and burning more calories.' A post shared by @natasastankovic__ This repetitive elevation enhances cardiovascular endurance while targeting lower body muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Adding movements such as jumping and twisting further boosts calorie burn and improves coordination, making it a dynamic and effective workout. Proper form is crucial for maximising benefits and avoiding injuries. 'When performing step-based jumps, land softly with a slight bend in your knees to absorb impact and protect your joints,' says Dr Shravani. Keeping feet aligned and weight centered over the step helps maintain balance and reduces missteps. For torso twists, engaging the core and maintaining a neutral spine is essential. 'Avoid over-rotating to protect your lower back. Keep movements controlled rather than rushed to ensure stability and target the correct muscles,' she adds. Warming up and gradually increasing intensity can further prevent injuries. 'Holding light dumbbells during step routines adds upper body work and increases overall muscle engagement,' suggests Dr Shravani. Resistance bands can also provide extra tension for both the upper and lower body. Exercises like step-ups combined with squats or push-ups on the stepper effectively target multiple muscle groups. 'Performing slower, controlled movements maximises muscle contraction while keeping the heart rate elevated,' she notes. These modifications allow for a balanced mix of strength and cardio in one workout.


Irish Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Olympians Katie Taylor and Daina Moorehouse immortalised in Wicklow mural
The artwork, painted by local artist Adam J Connors, while a fitting homage to two of Bray's sporting legends, is also a real testament to the collective community spirit that prevails in the neighbourhood. With the slogan placed between the two boxers, 'When Dreams Become Reality', it will have a lasting impact, fitting once again, given it wasn't the easiest of battles for this particular dream to become a reality either. There were a lot of driving forces behind it, from the inspiration of Paul Treacy, manager of the community centre, to the dogged perseverance of local councillor Dermot O'Brien, as well as Ashling Smith (Pilates with Ash), who spearheaded the fundraising drive. Even the crew at Chadwicks in Bray deserves a mention for sponsoring the use of the scissor lift which helped hoist Adam to great heights to complete the work. Of course, none of it would have been possible without the wishes of the two subjects, who gave it a wholesome blessing and a seal of approval. "It's complete,' Daina posted on the Facebook page. 'Absolutely delighted what an honour to be beside the legend herself, big thank you to Connect Ballywaltrim South Bray.' The genesis for the idea of the mural goes back to last year, when the community held a homecoming event for Daina after the Paris Olympics. Ashling expressed an interest in her business community sponsoring the project, and, as Paul explained, 'we roped Adam in and we got on to Councillor Daisy and stakeholders and it's taken almost a year to get over the line'. "But we finally got there,' he said. 'So the idea is that two Olympians came from the same community, and it was just a way of kind of putting it out there and celebrating their achievements, because they do inspire young people in the area. And it's a nice way to celebrate that.' Once permission was granted by the council in June, it was decided that a competition should be opened to involve the young people in the community in devising a suitable slogan. The winner, a member of the youth project, was Darcy Crinnion, who came up with the befitting words: 'When Dreams Become Reality'. Paul said everyone has been 'thrilled' with the result. It was a 'no-brainer' for Ashling, when she offered to take over the fundraising side of the project. "I started out my business in Ballywatrim Community Centre,' she said. 'They've always been really great to me. So I approached Pau and said I'd be interested. And I went back to my Pilates community and told them what was happening and would they be in. And it was a resounding 'yes' from everybody,' she said. "They wanted to support it. So over the long winter, through planning applications etc, we waited and waited and waited. And when we got the go-ahead, the money just came pouring in for us. But at no stage was it a given. Similar projects in other areas, I believe, have been refused. But Daisy O'Brien was a real driving force behind getting this through. So it was an absolute privilege to be able to support this for our two Olympic athletes.' It was also a privilege for the man on the scissor lift, Adam J Connors, who said: 'Such an honour to paint a mural of these two Bray legends in their own neighbourhood. Got to spend a couple of weeks in the area, met the nicest people and one thing is for sure, every single person there has so much love for them.'


The Citizen
a day ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Beat the winter blues with these must have mobile fitness apps
There's a wide range of Android apps that help you to stick to your goals in the winter months. Keep track of your fitness and health this winter. Picture: iStock. As winter passes the halfway mark, staying active during the colder months can be challenging if you don't love running in the dark after work or getting up early in the freezing cold to go to the gym. There's a wide range of Android apps that help you to stick to your goals in the winter months. Here are some apps you can use for indoor exercise, anytime and anywhere. 5 Minute Yoga TCL says the 5-Minute Yoga is ideal for those who want to do quick daily yoga workouts. Each session is created from a selection of simple but effective yoga poses, making it suitable for beginners. Every pose features clear images and detailed instructions, ensuring all poses are performed correctly. Asana Rebel Asana Rebel is a yoga and fitness app designed for individuals seeking to achieve a fit body, shed weight, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. This app can help you lose weight, burn calories, strengthen your core, and increase flexibility. It's also great for balancing the body while focusing the mind, letting you leave the stress of the day behind. The Body Coach Transform your fitness with The Body Coach app by Joe Wicks, an all-in-one workout and fitness app featuring quick home workout sessions, HIIT workouts, Pilates, and yoga for beginners. The app also features a personalised meal planner and daily progress tools to keep you motivated. Centr Train like the MCU's Thor with an app backed by actor Chris Hemsworth. Centr's Fitness app provides personalised training based on your personal goals, preferences, and skill level. Whether you prefer home or gym workouts, Centr offers training options for every skill level. Fiit Whether you want to lose weight, get strong, improve flexibility or simply de-stress, Fiit lets you take high-quality workouts with leading personal trainers on your phone or tablet. FitOn Achieve personalised health and fitness goals with unlimited access to the best home workouts and exercise videos, from cardio to strength training to HIIT, yoga, Pilates, Barre, and much more. This app will get you sweating in a class that you love. Home Workout Home Workouts offers daily workout routines tailored to your primary muscle groups. In just a few minutes a day, you can build muscles and keep fit at home without having to go to the gym. No equipment or coach needed because all exercises can be performed with just your body weight. The app offers workouts for your abs, chest, legs, arms, and butt, as well as full-body workouts. Nike Training Club Unlock 300+ workouts with Nike Training Club. Work out with expert tools and set a new, personal best with the support of NTC's fitness diary, workout tracker, scheduling and more. Beyond training, This app covers mindfulness, nutrition, rest and connection for a holistic approach to mental wellness and physical health. Pilates Practising Pilates has many benefits for health and weight loss. Similar to yoga, these Pilates exercises for Android can not only help weight loss, enhance muscle strength, and improve balance and flexibility, but can also enhance energy, promote relaxation, and even improve sleep quality. Sweat Sweat, a personal training app featuring co-founder and elite head trainer Kayla Itsines is made for women. The app offers a broad suite of challenging, yet achievable programs with workouts you can do anywhere, anytime to progressively build your fitness. New programmes give you more ways to push yourself and get you closer to reaching your goals. ALSO READ: Smartphones: Powerful tools that enhance work and academic performance