If you love the idea of morning exercise but feel overwhelmed at the thought of working up a sweat before breakfast, then we have good news. Morning exercise doesn't have to be arduous. You can squeeze some energizing movement into your day in just 12 minutes.
"I’ve designed this morning Pilates routine to help you walk into a new day feeling strong, balanced, and uplifted," says Lottie Anderson Founder of Bondi Rise.
"Each move will wake the body from head to toe, helping to create energy throughout, so you’ll be ready to tackle your day with positivity and a sense of well-being."
How to do the workout
To do the workout flow through this Pilates sequence twice.
Remember to take it slow and enjoy the movement, taking one breath at a time and staying mindful as you move.
Bridge
Duration: 90 seconds
Benefits: This move will target your glutes, hamstrings and core as well as wake up the spine.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
- Lift your hips, peeling your back up slowly. Squeeze the glutes as you rise.
Bridge heel rises
Time: 60 seconds
Benefits: This quick move is like a mini-espresso for your calves and glutes, helping the muscles switch on and perk up.
How to do it:
- From the above glute bridge position, gently rise onto your toes.
- Return to the flat-footed position, then rise onto your toes again. Repeat the movement for the full 60 seconds.
Triceps press
Time: 60 seconds
Benefits: This is a great exercise for your triceps, shoulders, core and upper back.
How to do it:
- Kneel on the floor and hinge forward at your hips, so your torso is at a 45° angle.
- Engage your core, straighten your arms and press them behind you. Don't let your shoulders round backward or your body lift.
- Bring you arms forward again, in line with your thighs.
- Repeat this movement slowly and with control.
Goal post arms
Time: 90 seconds
Benefits: This upper body move will work your shoulders and upper back. It will also improve your posture, helping you find your natural alignment.
- Stay kneeling but bring your torso up straight.
- Take your arms out to the side, bend them at the elbows into a 90° angle and point your fingers towards the ceiling, so they're in a cactus shape.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades, opening through the chest, and slowly bring your forearms together in front of your body.
- Move the arms out wide again then repeat the movement.
Wide V press
Time: 60 seconds
Benefits: Open up the shoulders and arms with this easy movement.
- Kneeling once more, keep your arms out to your sides and elbows bent, but this time bring the elbows down in line with the rib cage. There should be a little space between your elbows and torso.
- Press your elbows up and out, before bringing them back to their original position. Repeat for the full 60 seconds.
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