Warm Up for Any Pilates Routine

Fundamentals Set
This set of exercises teaches the movement fundamentals that establish core stability, abdominal control, and increased range of motion in Pilates.

Ron's Clock
Ron's Clock is a breathing exercise from Fletcher Pilates. It warms the diaphragm, lungs, and ribcage. It also teaches one to allow the breath to initiate movement.

Dynamic Stretching Exercises
Dynamic stretching is a safe and effective warm up technique. Here are 5 Pilates exercises that can be used in dynamic stretching.

How to Do Legs Up the Wall
Legs up the wall is a wonderful Pilates and yoga relaxation exercise. It helps swollen legs and tired feet, and encourages relaxation. Get instructions for legs up the wall, also known in yoga as viparita karani.

5 Easy Exercises for Stress Relief
Use these easy stress reducing exercises as a warm up or cool down with any Pilates workout.

Pilates Exercises in Bed
The ultimate warm-up is to do Pilates exercises in bed! Here are 5 mat exercises adapted for bed.

Arm Reach and Pull for Shoulder Stabilty
This Pilates exercise helps establish shoulder stability by increasing awareness of scapular placement and movement.

Pelvic Tilt
Pelvic tilt is one of the very best ways to begin any Pilates workout. It strengthens core muscles and helps center alignment. Pelvic tilt is often prescribed therapeutically for back pain.

Online Video: Scapular Stabilization Exercise
This video demonstrates scapular stability through the arms reach and pull exercise.

Clam Exercise
Clam is a simple Pilates exercise that tones the hip and thigh muscles. It is also a pelvic stability exercise.

Deep Breathing Exercise
Learning to breathe deeply, with control, is one of the most important parts of Pilates exercise.

Learn the Constructive Rest Position - a Relaxation Technique
As relaxation techniques go, constructive rest is one of the best places to start. Learn the constructive rest position.

Pelvic Curl
This exercise if often used in pilates classes as a gentle warm up for the spine and abdominal muscles. It also works the lower body and helps coordinate breath and movement.

Lateral Breathing
Lateral breathing will help you breathe deeply even when your abdominals are pulled in.