Pilates and Waist Belt Exercises

Pilates focuses on awareness of the spine and proper breathing while simultaneously enhancing core strength and flexibility. More than 500 controlled exercises engage the mind and body in Pilates. One option to enhance a workout is utilizing a pilates exercising waist belt. The adjustable belt secures around the waist and resistance tubing works with the body's movement to intensify exercises both in Pilates and other workout routines.

  1. Pelvic Push

    • A waist belt with resistance tubing will add intensity to the pelvic push. With the belt securely fastened around the waist, grip resistance band handles, holding one in each hand. From a lying position with the knees bent and arms placed at each side, push your hips towards the ceiling. The belt will offer resistance as you press your rear and back off of the floor. Briefly hold the pose before lowering to the ground. Repeat.

    Leg Circles

    • This exercise is executed lying flat on the ground, waist belt fastened around the mid-section. Hook grip from resistance band over the bottom of one foot. If the band is longer, wrap it over the bottom of the foot and hold hand-grip with corresponding hand. Raise the banded leg straight towards the ceiling and circle the raised leg widely, maintaining contact between the rear and the floor. Reverse the rotation, circling the leg in the other direction before lowering the leg to the floor and repeating the exercise on the other leg. This exercise targets the body's core.

    Leg Press

    • As with leg circles, this exercise is completed lying on the floor. Bend the knees to the chest and hook grips from resistance band over the feet. If the band is longer, wrap bands over the bottom of the foot and hold the hand-grip with corresponding hand. Place hands near the stomach, band running between the knees. Slowly straighten the knees and then bring them back to the starting position, never allowing them to touch the floor.

    Walking/Jogging

    • The Pilates waist belt offers increased calorie-burn and resistance during non-Pilates exercises such as running or jogging. Holding resistance bands in each hand will tone the arms as they move naturally while exercising.