When it comes to exercising your abs you really can’t go past Pilates. For a workout that will really build strength into your core and achieve the flat and toned stomach you’re striving for take advantage of the free Pilates exercise for abs we’ve shown below.

Your first step is to master what is referred to as the C curve. If you can ensure you do this correctly then you will manage the Pilates with more ease and most importantly ensure you squeeze the absolute maximum out of the effort you put in.

Get into a seated position on your Pilates mat or set up on the floor somewhere if need be. Place both feet on the floor flat and bring your knees toward your chest so they are bent. It’s important to relax your upper body, particularly the shoulder area.

Now it’s time to put your hands under your knees, as you do so take a breath in then let the air out. As you let out your breath you need to tighten your stomach and pull it in toward your spine in its entirety. This is where the C curve comes into play. As you practice the breathing and tummy tightening you find that you end up looking more down toward your stomach as your back forms the curve of the c during the exhale stage of the exercise.

As you breathe in again use this force to raise you into the position you were in at the beginning of the exercise. Then inhale, and allow this to push you back up to a sitting position. If you can master this then you’re ready to move onto the good stuff where the abs are given a good workout and you begin to work toward the flat and toned stomach you’ve been striving for.

Rolling Up

This free Pilates exercise is quite effective yet not at too difficult of a level.

1. On your Pilates mat or carpeted floor you should be laying down facing the ceiling with legs completely straight.

2. Now with your arms outstretched you should reach up to the ceiling above you, breath in a slow and gentle manner as you stretch and reach.

3. As you exhale you curl yourself up to the point where no longer does you spine touch the floor and your arms have come over both legs which should be very flat on the ground. You should aim to do at least five repetitions of this exercise.

Doing this exercise can make you feel as though you’re stomach is immediately improved which can see you walking around with new found spring in your step!

Leg Circles

Another free Pilates exercise which is helpful for abs toning and strengthening along with all the other great outcomes Pilates brings.

1. Again laying down on your Pilates mat facing the ceiling you should lay your arms at the sides of your body flat.

2. Now take your left leg and raise it up to approximately a forty five degree angle. From here your foot should turn in toward your right side, not too far.

3. You concentrate now on your breathing, exhaling gently as you use your leg and foot to draw circles. The aim is to keep your leg and foot off the ground but at teh same time bringing them ever so close to the floor.

4. Once you have completed this five times you should change over to your right leg and repeat the exercise.

Leg Stretch

This is yet another free Pilates exercise for abs that will really help tone and flatten your stomach.

1. On the floor or on your Pilates mat lay face up with outstretched legs. Now take your hands and put them behind your head.

2. Inhale. Now exhale at the same time as bringing your neck off the mat as you bring both your head and legs up. Your legs should be lifted to approximately a forty five degree angle. Hold.

3. As you breathe out you can bring both legs down stopping just short of the floor.

4. If possible you should aim to do this ten times over remembering to breath gently and at a slow pace.

These free Pilates exercises are a great start for you to help strengthen your abdominal area, tone and shape and all ’round feel better. If they seem to difficult to begin with just do less repetitions and work up to more as you practice each day.