Showing results by author "Ellen Barrett" in All Categories

Do 3-4 Pilates toning workouts each week in addition to your regular cardio regimen in order to strengthen the abs and lower back while stabilizing the spine. These functional exercises address America's #1 trouble spot: flabby abdominals. You'll start safe, moderate exercises and gradually increase the intensity. You don't require any additional equipment beyond your own body weight. Enjoy!

This is the original and traditional mat Pilates series invented in the 1920s by guru Joseph Pilates. We encourage you to practice and perfect this single workout since this includes foundation moves for ALL of Pilates. This routine tones your whole body, hones the upper body, and improves your posture. This is a very special set of exercises and we urge you to do it again and again. All fitness levels welcome.

The Hotel Room Workout is ideal for those who travel...and even folks who don't! Now you can squeeze in a 30-minute total-body workout without fancy equipment. In this workout we do basic Pilates-style calisthenics in an invigorating sequence that challenges the muscles of the body yet increases energy levels. Perform the exercises with bare feet or sneakers, whatever you prefer. The Hotel Room Workout is TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING...you don't even need a mat! All fitness levels welcome!

Try this deep, effective lower-body-toning routine three times a week on non-consecutive days. These Pilates-style exercises, taught by master Pilates instructor Ellen Barrett, can be incorporated into your regular workouts or you can do them all by themselves. Take breaks when you need to, and remember to move slowly and with control. You need no equipment beyond a basic mat. All fitness levels welcome. Have fun!

Here's a quick primer routine for improving overall posture by paying attention to the three main components of posture: spinal alignment, muscular balance (from one side of the body to the other), and total-body strength. You will stand taller and feel firmer if you perform this fun and effective workout twice a week.

Pilates is best known as a core strengthener, an abs-toner, and a posture enhancer. This fantastic and efficient workout introduces you to the basic principles of Pilates core work in a simple and user-friendly way. To perfect these moves, do them every other day for a few weeks until you master the principles of Pilates breath and muscle control.