Enhancing Your Ab Workout with a Simple Addition for Immediate Benefits

When you’re in the mood for a challenging workout, incorporating a prop into your ab routine can elevate the intensity. In the recent episode of Good Moves featuring Chloe de Winter from Go Chlo Pilates, you’ll be guided through a 15-minute Pilates session that will truly activate your core muscles. Adding in the “magic circle” prop may make it feel like a 30-minute workout.

According to De Winter, using the prop allows you to target muscles that may not be typically engaged. For instance, starting on the floor with legs raised at a 90-degree angle, she advises placing the magic circle between your legs and squeezing your thighs to keep the circle in position. By maintaining this hold, you not only work your lower body but also engage your upper body. This dual engagement of your thighs and core while holding the circle creates an effective challenge in a short span of time.

Highlighting the importance of engaging the core, it is a vital muscle group consisting of various muscles. After the magic circle Pilates routine, you will likely feel the impact on these muscles both during and after the workout. Strengthening the core muscles can significantly benefit various everyday movements like walking, running, dancing, and even sitting, as mentioned by Lee Wratislaw, the digital programming manager at Gold’s Gym. Wratislaw emphasizes that a strong core can aid in injury prevention, posture improvement, enhanced balance, coordination, and can alleviate lower back pain and other hip and knee issues.

If you don’t have a magic circle prop, there’s no need to worry. De Winter suggests that you can still perform the exercises without it. So, grab a mat and, if you have it, the prop, and start engaging your core muscles with De Winter.