I only had 10 minutes to work out, so I tried this core-strengthening and mobility-boosting Pilates routine and the results surprised me

I love working out—it's one of the ways I look after my mental health and manage stress. Plus, it helps me stay fit and healthy, and improves my sleep.

But finding the time to move can be a struggle and some days I have too much on to make it to the gym.

That's why I've been doing more and more Pilates routines. Mat Pilates is a fantastic way to move at home, with small, controlled movements that strengthen your muscles, especially your core.

Pilates instructor Madeleine Abeid recently shared a routine that she calls her "good morning" routine—although there's no reason it can't be done later in the day.

The routine takes just 10 minutes and stretches the spine and lower body to help reduce stiffness, and improve core strength and stability.

How to do Madeleine Abeid's 10-minute Pilates workout

You don't need any equipment for this routine, just a mat to make the lying poses more comfortable. Or you can simply put a towel down on any flat surface. If you want to add a mat to your home setup, take a look at our guide to the best yoga mats.

Abeid demonstrates the movements in her Instagram Reel and recommends completing each move for one minute.

Try not to rush through the exercises. Instead, think about moving steadily through each one, allowing yourself to fully feel each part of the movement while increasing the time your muscles are under tension during the strengthening moves.

My experience of the workout

Abeid describes this as a mobility routine, but I also found it to be a great way to switch on my core muscles.

I felt my abdominals and obliques working during moves like the leg extension, alternative leg pulls and leg circles. I think this routine would be great for anyone looking for some gentle core activation.

Other exercises, like the swan, stretched and mobilized my joints and muscles, helping to release tension in my lower back. The downward-facing dog to plank got my shoulders and hamstrings moving.

Overall, I think this is a gentle workout for anyone wanting to wake the body up, build core strength and improve their mobility.

I also think I'd use this routine to warm up before a strength workout, as it targets a range of muscles along with dynamic stretching, which can help to prime the muscles for exercise and prevent injury.