RollingSands Harmony Blog

Four easy-to-follow Pilates exercises in less than 5 1/2 minutes. These exercises will require the use of a Stability Ball (also called a Balance Ball and many other names) and a Pilates Mat or Exercise Mat.  When buying a mat for Pilates, you’ll want one that offers nice cushioning for your joints, so we recommend at least 1/4″ thickness.  You’ll also want a mat that offers a non-slip surface.  When choosing a Stability Ball, be sure to select the right size for your height.  We also sell both PVC and eco-friendly PVC-free vinyl for you to choose from.

Pilates:
Pilates For Intermediates: Balance Ball Workout – Part 1

Part II of a video series showing how to perform four additional intermediate Pilates exercises using an elastic exercise band, or Pilates Band. For Part I, see last Thursday’s video.

Before starting this six minute long video, don’t forget to grab your Pilates Mat or Exercise Mat and your Pilates Bands.

Pilates:
Pilates Intermediate: A Total Body Exercise Band Workout Part 2

Here’s an easy-to-follow video on how to incorporate the Pilates Band into four different Pilates exercises.  What you’ll need before starting this six-minute long video:  an Exercise Mat or Pilates Mat and a Pilates Band, which is an elastic exercise band.

Pilates:
Pilates For Intermediates: Band Workout – Part 1

Doing the Pilates Hundred with a Pilates Ring between your shins will add to the intensity of this starter Pilates exercise. In addition to  the exercise listed below, I have also seen this exercise done with legs bent and the ring is placed between the thighs, just above the knees. Align your knees directly above your hips and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle with your shins parallel to the floor.

Or try it this way with the ring between your shins and as you strengthen and progress, begin lowering your legs at a straight angle to increase the intensity.

We carry two styles of Pilates Rings for you to choose from: The Pilates Circle Pro and the Cushioned Grip Pilates Ring.

Pilates Hundred with Pilates Ring

Add holding a Pilates ring between your shins to your Pilates hundred and you add an inner thigh workout to already challenge abdominal exercise. Pay attention to the muscular feedback the ring gives you through your legs into your core.

• Lie on your back with your legs bent in tabletop position, shins and ankles parallel to the floor. Put the magic circle upright between your shins.
• Inhale. Exhale:  Nod your chin slightly toward your chest and using your abs, curl your upper spine up off the floor. Keep your shoulder blades settled in your back. Your gaze is down into the scoop of your abdominal muscles.
• Stay here and inhale.
• Exhale:  Deepen the scoop of the abs, extend your legs toward the ceiling, and your arms toward the wall in front of you.
  If you can, lower your legs to where the wall and ceiling meet.

  Your legs should only be as low as you can go without shaking and without your lower spine coming off the mat. If you are more advanced, lower your legs more.
  Your arms extend straight and low, just a few inches off floor, with the fingertips reaching for the far wall.

• Hold your position.
  Breathe in for 5 counts and out for 5 counts. As you breathe, pump your arms up and down a few inches in a controlled manner.

  Remember, it is the abdominal muscles that should be doing all the work — not your neck and shoulders.

• Do a cycle of 10 full breaths.
  Keep your abs scooped, your back flat on the floor, and your head an extension of your spine with the gaze down.
• To finish: Keep your spine curved as you bring your knees in toward your chest. Grasp your knees for support as you release your upper spine and head to the floor.

~ courtesy of About.com

Use a stability ball when performing this common swim stroke exercise. It’s a great way to work your abs, back, arms and shoulders.

Check out our selection of Yoga Balls. Be sure to select the right size for your height. You can also choose from standard stability balls or burst-resistant stability balls. We also carry an eco-friendly, phthalate-free vinyl yoga ball. These balls have many names – Stability Ball, Yoga Ball, Exercise Ball, and Pilates Ball to name just a few. But these all refer to these large, inflatable vinyl workout balls.

Just a short 3-minute video on using Pilates Bands or hand weights in the Pilates 100’s and Spine Twists. This version of 100’s with the bands is different than last week – just to show you the variety of ways to use this great Pilates tool!  This video shows three models performing the same exercise with slight modifications done by each.

This video teaches a variety of ways to do Pilates Roll Ups and 100’s with a Pilates Band. Great exercises for your abs and your arms. This video is just about 5 1/2 minutes long.

More tips on toning those arms! It’s springtime…which means strapless dresses and swimsuits are just around the corner, right ladies?  In this video, you’ll learn a number of Pilates exercises using hand weights to help tone those arms.  Check out our new neoprene dumbell set which offers weights in 2lb, 3lb and 5lb pairs.  Great to have a selection for different exercises or to grow into as you get stronger.  And, it comes in a convenient carry/storage case.  You could also use the 2lb Pilates Toning Balls in these exercises as well.

A brief video on toning your arms in Pilates.  Being mindful of your movements and activating those muscles is a sure way to get results.  Adding a Pilates Ring, Pilates Bands, or soft-weight toning balls will also help you achieve your desired results…and quick!  These Pilates tools add weight and resistance to your routine and will help you to focus on engaging those muscles.

Some quick benefits of using Pilates equipment – such as the Pilates Ring or Pilates Bands in home use, or studio-style equipment.