As my sessions progress, Kelly continues to introduce new exercises. As I mentioned before, this variety makes each session feel new. However, there are a few exercises that I do every time I practice Pilates. Today I am going to talk about The Hundred. The Hundred is a breathing exercise. It is meant to begin circulating your blood to warm up the body for the exercises to follow. This is almost always one of the first exercises I do at each session.
To do this exercise I lie on my back with my knees bent to my chest. As I prepare for the exercise I deeply inhale, and as I exhale I focus on my belly sinking deeper into the mat. The goal is to keep my head lifted, while supporting the Powerhouse, and no strain should be felt in the neck. I stretch my arms out beside me, as if I am trying to touch the opposite wall with my fingertips and I begin pumping my arms. This is all done while inhaling for five counts and exhaling for five counts until I have done ten sets.
When I first starting practicing I did a few modifications to this exercise. I was not able to keep my head lifted the entire time, so I would rest it. Now I am able to keep it lifted the entire time. I also originally kept my legs in table top position, now I am able to extend them to a forty-five degree angle. I have done this exercise during both mat work and on the Reforming holding the straps down to my side as I pump my arms.
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