The Hundred: Engages the core, arms, and legs for endurance. This exercise requires controlled breathing and sustained abdominal contraction, which helps tone the entire midsection and improves circulation.
Exhale as you continue to roll up, reaching forward towards your toes while keeping your legs straight.
Try our free 10-minute Ab Workout and learn the foundations of deep core training. Perfect for all levels, this quick workout will get you started on your journey to a stronger, more toned core.
Without reducing overall body fat, it’s difficult to achieve a truly toned appearance, even with strong muscles.
Anna Bartter is a freelance journalist who writes about health, fitness and women's lifestyle for publications including Stylist, Metro and Psychologies, among others.
This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of fitness are addressed, helping you achieve a well-rounded and toned body.
Whilst Pilates isn’t generally considered strength training, we do use resistance, particularly when using Pilates equipment. When you contract your muscles against resistance, your muscles communicate with your brain and vice versa.
Muscle definition results from two things – both having an increase in lean muscle tissue and having low body fat, so that you can see the contours of the muscles.
You don’t need heavy weights to build muscle. Pilates builds lean muscle using your body weight, resistance from equipment like the Reformer, and small, targeted movements that keep muscles under tension.
This will work you hard through the supporting shoulder, pilates muskego side of the trunk and also challenge your glutes – especially with the leg lift.
This includes eccentric training, which lengthens and strengthens muscles without adding bulk. Improved body awareness and alignment also contribute to a leaner, more upright look.
Exercises that target multiple muscle groups, mindfulness in food choices, and a well-rounded fitness routine can all work together to give you the toned physique you desire.
Single-Leg Bridge: Targets the glutes and hamstrings. This move also activates the lower back muscles and improves spinal alignment, contributing to better posture and lower body strength.
Place your bottom elbow directly under your shoulder, with your forearm resting on the mat for support.