Of course we open the new year with the first exercise in the classic Pilates mat sequence. The hundred is a belly buster, a breath/cardio pumper, a coordination challenge and a great overall toning exercise.
The hundred is often the first exercise performed in a Pilates class. It's a literally like going from 0 to 100 in about a minute, which is why I like to warm up first. If you aren't warmed up, you will be after.
It is important to pay attention to the height of your legs off the floor. This is the main place we modify the hundred. You don't want your legs "hanging out" too low and pulling on your back. It takes a long time to build the core integration that lets the legs be low and light. If you have neck issues, try it with your head down. I have included a lot of tips in the hundred instructions for making it safe and comfortable. Please experiment with them.
Have the Exercise of the Week along with more great Pilates info sent directly to you each week in the Free Pilates Newsletter.
photo: Susie Haggas, (c)2012, Marguerite Ogle
