Jan. 5, 2021
In this edition of Pilates for XTERRA, 5x XTERRA Japan off-road triathlon champion Mieko Carey demonstrates the principles and variations of “The Hundred,” a simple yet effective Pilates core exercise.
“The best exercises are the ones we do all the time, and the Hundred should be one of them,” said Carey. “It’s a great beginners exercise because it is easy to learn and perform, and you can include it in your routine forever because it is great for your abs, and also a good warm-up for more advanced exercises as you progress.”
In the video, Carey explains how to customize the Hundred to your comfort level by lying flat on your back with your head and feet down, with your feet in the “tabletop” position, or with your legs straight up.
“Inhale five short breaths, exhale five short breaths. Keep your back straight, no arch, and pump your arms 100 times,” Cares explains. “As in all Pilates movements, the key is to connect your mind and body.”
Carey, who lives in Guam where she owns and operates BX Body Pilates, learned to love Pilates and became a certified instructor after using it to successfully combat debilitating sciatic nerve pain.
Past Pilates for XTERRA Videos:
LIVE – Routine for Beginners
Part I – Swimming
Part II – The Bridge Pose
Part III – Abdominal Exercises
Part IV – All Fours
