Pilates is a difficult form of exercise as it is. It can really make you sweat and help you move closer to your fitness goals. However, to some, an added challenge is needed. And what better way to make your full-body pilates workout even more challenging than with the help of some resistance bands? So, here are some ways to incorporate resistance bands into your full-body Pilates workout.
Squat
To start this drill, stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Loop the band around your knees. Straighten your legs and hold the ends of the band in each hand, so the band is taut. Lower yourself into a squat, dropping your butt back and reaching your arms straight out in front of you. Make sure you keep your knees behind your toes as you go down and drive yourself forward as you stand back up.
Squat Pulse
From a squat position, put your hands beside your ears, with your fingers pointing backwards toward your head. You should be able to draw a straight line from your fingertips to the butt. Then pull your outer thighs up and away into the resistance band, separating your knees as much as possible as you pulse up and down into the band.
Plank Leg Lift
Begin by getting into a plank position. Loop the resistance band below your feet and stand on the band, so there is tension. Start by raising your right foot off the ground and slowly raising your right leg toward the ceiling. Do this slowly, making sure you keep your hips in line with your shoulders. Then slowly lower your leg back to the floor. Repeat on the other side.
Pilates Push-Up
Begin in a plank position, making sure your hips and shoulders are in a straight line. Loop the resistance band around your feet, as close to your feet as possible. Bring your right hand down to the ground in front of you and then your left. Slowly start to lower yourself. Make sure not to let your hips sag or your shoulders tilt forward. Keep your core tight and your back straight. Once you are at a 90-degree angle from your iliac crest to the ground, push yourself back up to the top.
Downward Dog
Start on the ground, with your hands and knees on the floor and your hips and butt in the air. Loop the resistance band around your feet. Then, keeping your core tight and your back straight, move your butt down toward the floor as you lower yourself into a downward dog. Make sure you don't pull on the band as you move and only use your body weight.
Final Thoughts
Resistance bands are a great way to increase the intensity of your full-body Pilates workout. Although, when incorporating them into your routine, you have to make sure you don’t overdo it and injure yourself. Make sure you do these exercises in a safe manner, with proper form, and you won’t have anything to worry about. Resistance bands are a great tool for exercise, as long as you know how to use them.
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