We all know how important it is to stay active and keep our bodies in tip-top shape. But sometimes, it can be hard to find the motivation to hit the gym or go for a run.
Strength training with weights is an excellent way to get your body in shape and build muscle mass. Combine with the challenge of Pilates, and you’ve got a fiendishly effective workout. If you don’t have weights, use food tins.
Core focused Pilates with Weights
I thoroughly enjoyed filming this workout, and I am sure you will feel the work in your body once the workout has been completed ✅
Whilst the focus of the workout is your core connection, you will undoubtedly feel the work in your arms and shoulders. If at any point it feels too much, put the weights down and join in with the exercises without them.
Set aside 15 minutes, grab a set of light hand weights or a couple of food tins and come and join me on your mat. The weights add an extra level of challenge and can be used throughout, or alternatively the whole routine can be done without them.
General Pilates with Weights
Light weights, lots of fabulous repetitions, a variety of exercises and ten minutes of your time is the perfect combination. Expect to enjoy this short, sweet, effective, upper body workout. You choose the hand weights you want to use, I recommend 1-3kg. I used 2kg throughout the workout and for me, they offered the perfect level of challenge whilst maintaining control.
Adding light weights to a workout adds challenge to the exercises and makes them even more effective. The light weights will help to tone your upper body, build strength and make your core work a little bit harder. When you work out at home you want the workout to be both effective and safe. Move at a steady pace, ensuring the correct muscles are being engaged and stretched without injuring yourself.
Grab weights (ideally 1kg), two food tins or two water bottles and roll out your mat. Whilst we focus on building upper body strength you will use your ‘powerhouse’ aka your core to stabilise your torso. This is a full-body workout ideal for anyone looking to really focus on toning their arms and shoulders.
What does core workout mean?
Core workouts are a type of workout that focus on strengthening the muscles in your core. This includes your abdominal muscles, oblique muscles and lower back. Core exercises train the body to move as an integrated unit and activate more powerful movements from the center of the body. A strong core helps with balance and stability, and can also improve posture, reduce pain, and prevent injuries. Core exercises should
What are the Benefits of a Pilates Core Workout With Weights?
The benefits of incorporating weights into your Pilates core workout are plentiful. Adding resistance helps to build up strength in the core muscles, leading to a stronger and more balanced midsection. This can help increase the stability of your posture and improve your overall fitness levels.
Weighted exercises also challenge the body to move through a range of motions, helping to improve flexibility and coordination.
Additionally, adding weights can create more time under tension during each exercise, which leads to increased calorie burn and improved muscle definition.
All these factors make weighted Pilates workouts an excellent choice for those looking to take their training up a notch!
Equipment and Safety Considerations
When engaging in a Pilates core workout with weights, it is important to consider both equipment and safety. First, make sure you have the proper equipment for your particular level of fitness.
Beginners should start with lighter weights and progress up as their strength increases. It’s also important to pay attention to time under tension when performing weighted core exercises.
Make sure to focus on controlling the speed of the movements while maintaining proper form throughout the entire exercise.
If needed, take breaks in between sets so that you can keep up with proper breathing patterns.
Lastly, practice safety by always having someone around who knows what they are doing and can provide assistance if needed. This is especially important if you’re new to working out, seek the tuition of a qualified instructor to ensure you learn the safest and most efficient way to work out.
Conclusion
Overall, core workouts with weights can be a great way to increase strength and stability. When performing these exercises, it’s important to maintain proper form while focusing on engaging your core muscles throughout the entire movement.
Additionally, you should adjust your reps and sets according to your fitness level in order to challenge yourself while still maintaining control over each exercise.
By using various fitness levels for different reps and sets, you can continuously challenge yourself while making progress towards a stronger core. With this method, you can experience the full benefits of core training with weights!
