Three Different Ways To Do "The Hundred"

As many of you know, I am a Certified Pilates Instructor and therefore have a certain bias to Pilates exercises. I find them to be so effective. Here is a classic exercise and a few other versions with a contemporary twist! The hundred is a great abdominal exercise but it is also about breath control. Here are three ways to do "The Hundred". Each one gets more challenging but don't be fooled the most simple one is quite effective.

"The Hundred" refers to the breathing. You will be breathing 100 breathes. Keep track of your sets on your fingers. Start with of your fingers extended and as you complete a 10 set curl them one by one down to your palm. Here goes.....

1. The "Classic" 100- Lie on your back in a neutral position. Beginners can bend your knees and put your feet flat on the floor. Slightly more experienced exercisers can bring your legs up to tabletop. Tabletop is when the knees are bent so that the thighs are perpendicular to the floor and the shins are parallel to the floor. Everyone bring your arms straight by your sides, abdominal height off the floor. Lift your head and tilt your chin towards your chest. Begin pulsing your arms as you exhale 5 times and then inhale 5 times. Do this for 10 sets. Squeeze your knees and pull in your belly button.

2. The "V" Sit 100-This is a much more challenging version of the original exercise. Come to the mat and sit in a "V". Legs extended to where the ceiling and the wall meet and arms up to the same angle.  Keep your spine straight and do the same arm pulsing as above. Count 5 exhales and 5 inhales ten times.

3. The Straight Leg Hundred With Different Breathing-Lie on the floor in a neutral position. Lift your head and extend you legs straight to a 45 degree angle. Pulse your arms and exhale 2 counts breath in 8 counts. Do this 10 times. Keep you arms pulled in and squeeze your inner thighs together.

*Please check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program