This Pilates ab exercise teaches you to build core endurance, using your abs to "support your spine against gravity," says Mary Badon, Stott Pilates instructor and owner of Soma Movement Studio in Connecticut.
- Start in a quadruped position (on your hands and knees) with your wrists directly underneath your shoulders and your knees directly underneath your hips. Your core should be engaged, and your spine should be in a neutral position.
- Inhale and lift your knees one inch off the ground. Be sure to keep your back flat and your abs engaged.
- Exhale and lower your knees to the floor with control. That's one rep.
- To add intensity, slowly step your feet back into a high plank position, hold, then step them forward again to return to your bear hold, keeping your core engaged throughout.
