Pilates for Guys' Abs: Moves That Look Masculine

Pilates for Guys' Abs: Moves That Look Masculine
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Pilates and Abs

Regardless of which Pilates moves you perform, you will always be working your abs in some capacity. Now granted, some moves target the abs more than others, but overall, you can pick just about any position and still strengthen the core of your abdominal section.

To get the most out of these moves, you need to contract your abdominal muscles while performing each. This way you engage these muscles, rather than forcing surrounding muscles to do the work instead.

Guy-Friendly Positions

So are you ready for Pilates for guys’ abs moves? Then check out these positions, and add them to your next abs routine.

  • Hundreds: There are several different positions you can engage in during hundreds. The most guy-friendly one involves lying on your back and bending your knees at a 90-degree angle above the floor. Lay your arms flat on the floor next to you, tighten your abs, lift your neck and shoulders and start pumping your arms up and down. Keep the rest of your body immobile; only your arms should be moving. Perform 100 of these (yes, you’ll need to actually count to 100!).
  • Double Leg Kick: Start by lying on the floor on your stomach, with your hands clasped behind your back and your legs extended. Kick your feet as close to your back as possible at the same time. As you draw your legs back down, pick your upper body by tightening your abs. This will lift your chest and head off the floor. Hover your legs just above the floor in this position for one to two seconds, then return to the starting position and do it again.
  • Criss Cross: This popular move is actually a Pilates move, too. Start by lying on your back with legs extended and your hands crossed behind your head. Bend your right knee at a 90-degree angle as you pick up your upper body and lean in toward this leg with your left elbow. Switch sides, keeping your abs tight and your upper body lifted. Keep up this back and forth motion until you’ve completed the desired number of reps.
  • Single Leg Bridge: Start by lying on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs bent. Tighten your glutes and abs, using this motion to pick your glutes up off the floor and into an angle. Bend one knee at a 90-degree angle, which will leave you with one leg on the floor. Hold this position with your abs and glutes tight. Lower your body and switch legs after several seconds.

Keep comfortable while you work out by doing your moves on a Pilates or Yoga mat, rather than the hard floor or regular carpet. Wear tennis shoes to give your feet traction as you perform this Pilates for guys’ abs workout.

References

My own experience

Exercise.com: Pilates