Puppies and Pilates seem to be making Hilary Duff happy these days. Ever since her appearance in Shape Magazine, a lot of folks are getting interested in Pilates.
Luckily for us, I've gotten my hands on Hilary’s best three firm-up moves created by Viveca Jensen (V Pilates), published in the August '07 issue of Shape:
- Leg raises with a band: Tie the ends of a resistance band together to make a small circle (about 12 inches in diameter), loop it around your ankles, and lie on your right side with your legs extended; use your left arm in front of you for balance. Lift your left leg up as high as you can and lower until the band is just barely taut. Do 6 sets of 8 reps per side. “This is great for the butt and outer thighs,” says Jensen.
- Bridge with the ring: To target your inner thighs, lie face up with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and place a Pilates ring (aka Magic Circle) between your legs just above your knees (so the pads rest against your legs). Lift your hips so your body is aligned from knees to shoulders and squeeze the ring 16 times. Lower hips, then raise them again and squeeze 8 times. Finally, lift and lower pelvis 16 times while pressing legs against the ring. Repeat series 3 times.
- Leg raises with a ball: Lie face up with legs extended straight up. Place a stability ball between ankles. Without rocking, raise and lower hips. Do 3 sets of 8 reps. “Hilary loves this because it really works the lower abs,” says Jensen.
Want to see the moves in action? Then check out Shape to see Jensen doing the exercises.
Anthony Peto
Miss Avant Premiere
French Connection
We do these moves in my mat class. They're awesome and I'm really seeing the results.
1I just saw her in Shape and Us Weekly - Pilates is definitely looking like the best option for short people like me. It's had a great lengthening effect on her body.
2Pilates is my favorite. I feel stronger, healthier, more energized since I've started to take classes and work out at home.
3She is such a role model for young girls, hopefully they take notice of her and not idol Nicole Richie!
4I really want to get a Magic Ring...I've done some Pilates, but I'm getting more interested in it lately.
5Gotta get back on the Pilates bandwagon
6I got a pilates ring on a whim because they were on sale at barnes and noble. It came with a little DVD too. I used it for a week and then it kinda sat gathering dust, lol. I can never stick with anything. But whenever I remember I'll whip it out and do a few reps. It's fun for when you're watching TV, so you don't feel like a complete couch potato but the moves dont require so much concentration that you miss your show.
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