Pilates trainer reveals a five-exercise routine targeting the abdominals, aimed at enhancing posture and fortifying lower back strength.

Get ready to strengthen your abs and improve your posture with this low-impact, beginner-friendly Pilates abs workout, designed by Louise Buttler, founder of the online Pilates platform Pilates Anytime. This workout targets all the abs muscles, including the obliques, transversus abdominis, and rectus abdominis, and can be done using a yoga mat, a small Pilates ball, and minimal space.

To get started, lie flat on your back with your legs together and fully extended. This exercise, known as "Lower abs with straight legs," targets the lower abs. If you're using a Pilates ball, place it under the base of your spine for an extra stability challenge. Lift your legs a couple of inches off the floor, keeping them straight, for the exercise "Scissors for lower abs." Aim for 10 repetitions on each side.

Next up is the "Oblique crunches." Lie on your back, with your legs still extended and your arms crossed over your chest. Slowly lower your legs to one side, keeping your shoulders pressed into the mat, then lift them back up. Aim for 10 repetitions on each side.

The workout also includes the "Supported Russian Twists." Sit up with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and a Pilates ball held in front of your chest. Twist your torso to the left and right, keeping your arms steady, for 10 repetitions on each side.

Finally, try the "Chest lift with rotation." Sit up with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and your arms extended in front of you. Lift your arms up, twist your torso to the left, then lower your arms and twist to the right. Aim for 5 repetitions on each side.

This five-move Pilates abs workout can be done two to three times, depending on your fitness level. Remember, adjusting the way you breathe can help relax tense muscles and relieve mental tension during Pilates exercises.

Not only will this workout help you achieve a stronger core, but it also improves posture, lower-back strength, and helps reduce the risk of injury. So, roll out your best yoga mat, grab a small Pilates ball, and get ready to feel the burn!