4 Dancer-Friendly Pilates Mat Exercises
Fitness fads come and go, but one has stood the test of time: Pilates. Dancers swear by this full-body workout as an effective cross-training regimen. The low-impact moves are easy on any nagging injuries and help keep you lean, toned, centered, and flexible. Dance Spirit turned to Youn Kyung Lee, owner of 21 Pilates in NYC, for four mat-based exercises that’ll serve your dancer bod best.
Photos by Jayme Thornton. Modeled by Alicia McGinty.
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The Pilates Hundred
This essential Pilates move regulates your breathing, conditions your abs, and helps your alignment.
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The Roll-Up
Think of this core-strengthening move stretches your spine while strengthening your abs, and promotes proper spinal alignment.
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The Clam
This move helps stabilize your spine and pelvis, while strengthening your hips while promoting proper turnout.
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The Single-Leg Kick
This exercise is great for hip stability, and strengthens and stretches your back and abdominal muscles.
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A version of this story appeared in the September 2018 issue of
Dance Spirit with the title “Take It to the Mat.”
