Boost your core strength and stability by adding these simple bodyweight moves to your workouts.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking for a total-body workout, Pilates is an excellent choice. Training on the reformer helps increase muscle mass<\/a>, improve posture, and reduce body fat. That said, not everyone has access to the reformer\u2014and signing up for Pilates may be out of the question for some. That\u2019s why we spoke with Jill Brown<\/a>, personal trainer with Jill Brown Fitness & Coaching<\/a>, who shares four daily exercises<\/a> you can easily do at home to restore core strength<\/a> after 65.<\/p>\n According to Brown, \u201cI love Pilates and I teach it, but the reality is, it has a steep learning curve. If you aren\u2019t already a \u2018Pilates-head,\u2019 you can spend way too much time trying to master the choreography or making tiny, pulse-like movements that don\u2019t always translate to real life, functional strength. Strength and flexibility aren\u2019t the same thing. These four exercises are about creating stability. They skip the fancy bells and whistles and put you right in the game. We\u2019re going for total-body tension that builds a core like a corset, which is exactly what you need to move better, faster.\u201d<\/p>\n Below, Brown breaks down four productive daily moves that help boost core strength quicker than Pilates.<\/p>\n \tBird Dog<\/p>\n Start on all fours on a workout mat. \u201cTips: Don\u2019t let your hips wiggle. Imagine you\u2019re balancing a tray of wine glasses on your lower back and you don\u2019t want to spill them,\u201d Brown says.<\/p>\n
\nExtend your left arm and right leg.
\nHold for 3 seconds before returning to the start position.
\nSwitch sides and continue to alternate.
\nAim for 3 sets of 10 reps on each side.<\/p>\n