I hate sit ups. 

I bet you hate them too.

Sit ups give me flashbacks to high school gym class and the dreaded sit up test we had to take every year.

Sit ups aren’t the only way to strengthen your abs. 

When I discovered Pilates, I remember falling in love with it because it helped me maintain a strong core in a new way.

I was officially over sit ups and only here for Pilates.

It only takes a few minutes of practice a day to produce results. 

You don’t need any equipment and you practice anywhere.

It’s also a low-impact, weight-bearing activity. 

Pilates provides many other ab-strengthening exercises without the monotony, boredom, or gym class flashbacks.

According to new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, wall squats and planks are an effective tool to prevent and treat high blood pressure.

Exercises that engage muscles without movement may be best for lowering blood pressure. This type of training is known as isometric, or static, exercise.

Isometric training programs usually involve four two-minute bouts of activity, separated by rest intervals of one to four minutes, done three times per week, according to the study.

Existing guidelines on exercise for blood pressure management emphasize aerobic or cardio exercises such as running or cycling. These are effective but also based on old research. The authors said their findings should inform future guidelines about exercise for blood pressure.

Consult your health care provider. Pilates is not suited for everyone. Before engaging in these exercises, please discuss your medical history and fitness goals with your physician so that you can make an informed decision about your health. 

Ready to give it a try?

Try this Pilates workout with me.

This exercise is great for your shoulders, chest, triceps, hamstrings and core!

From a standing position with your feet hip distance apart, fold forward from the hips into a full forward bend and place your hands on the floor. Bend your knees, if necessary, to place your hands on the floor. Walk your hands out to a plank position. Check to make sure that your hands are directly under your shoulders so that they are close to your body. Keep your neck in line with your spine. Glide your shoulder blades down your back.

Pull in your powerhouse and hold for two minutes.

Inhale and lower for a Pilates pushup. Repeat for two more times. Exhale fully to return to the plank position. Complete two more pushups. Walk your hands back to an inverted Pilates V (aka downward facing dog). Take a deep stretch and continue walking your hands towards your feet and slowly roll up to a standing position. Finish by rolling your shoulders back three times and standing tall.

Learn more in the Couch to Consistent course where you’ll see how to stop struggling, make time for yourself, and workout regularly.