Pilates Gain Weights

Written by Vera Tweed
Photos by doritthies.com

“Having taught Pilates for many years, I’ve come to the conclusion that mat Pilates alone is not enough for most people,” says Michelle Dozois, veteran instructor and co-owner of Breakthrough Fitness in Pasadena, Calif. Traditional Pilates apparatus, generally used in one-on-one training sessions, provide resistance for a full-body workout, but the mat version of Pilates, taught in classes, lacks the resistance factor. So Dozois takes a new approach, explaining, “This workout combines Pilates for core muscles with weights for peripheral muscles, to reshape and sculpt your whole body.”

Plank Oblique Start at the top of a push-up position. Raise your left leg off the floor, then contract your abs, pulling your left knee toward your right elbow. Stretch your leg out, and set your foot back on the floor. Repeat on the other side. Do 5 to 8 reps on each side.

Triceps with Double-Leg Extension Start as shown in the first photo. Keeping your abs pressed into your spine (don’t let your spine arch), straighten your legs on a diagonal, keeping them as low as you can while controlling your posture, and lower the weights, as demonstrated, at the same time. If your back starts to arch, take your legs higher on a diagonal. Return to the starting position. Repeat 10 to 12 times.