Strengthen Your Entire Body and Enhance Flexibility with this 20-Minute Mobility Routine

Starting Pilates may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually a straightforward practice that focuses on strengthening the muscles around your core and abdomen, similar to yoga. If you’re new to Pilates and looking for a beginner-friendly session to give it a try, certified Pilates and barre instructor Callie Jardine has created an introductory routine that you can follow along with.

Jardine explains that this routine is designed to strengthen your entire body and is perfect for beginners. “Pilates is a fantastic exercise for individuals of all ages and fitness levels,” she says. “It can be low-impact, making it accessible for those with physical limitations, while also offering a challenge for advanced athletes.”

In the video below, you can watch Jardine’s full-body beginner Pilates session and perform each move along with her. She provides helpful guidance on form, technique, and breathing throughout the routine to help you learn each exercise effectively.

If you’re used to high-intensity workouts like HIIT for fat loss, Pilates offers a refreshing change of pace and can be a great addition to your fitness routine. It helps you focus on the present moment and the way your body moves, strengthening the mind-muscle connection. This awareness of your posture and form can carry over to other activities such as yoga and strength training. Additionally, Pilates encourages mindful breathing, similar to meditation.

Jardine emphasizes that Pilates offers various options to cater to different fitness goals, whether you want to tone, build strength, or improve flexibility. You can also elevate your Pilates workout by adding weights or incorporating gentle stretches.

If you’re concerned that Pilates may not provide enough intensity to build muscle, rest assured that it can be highly effective. In fact, one of our writers substituted their regular ab workout with a four-move Pilates class and discovered that it engaged their entire core in just six minutes.

While Jardine’s session is ideal for easing into Pilates, if you’re short on time, you can still reap the benefits with a five-minute Pilates workout. For a more structured approach, you can follow a four-week Pilates ab workout plan that utilizes nine exercises to strengthen your core.

Embrace the many benefits of Pilates, from enhancing strength and flexibility to promoting mindfulness and overall well-being. Give it a try and see how it can complement your fitness journey.