Build strength and boost your flexibility in just 15 minutes with this express Pilates routine

If you’re looking for a quick way to get moving this week, look no further. This Pilates routine doesn’t require equipment but will boost your flexibility and strength in just 15 minutes.

The session comes from certified Pilates and yoga instructor, Nicole Mcpherson (Move With Nicole on social media), and is described as an "express" workout. Despite this, Mcpherson is still controlled in her flow, working through the moves with concentration and control to get the most out of them. 

Watch Move With Nicole’s Pilates workout

The routine is fully guided by Mcpherson, so whether you’re a seasoned Pilates fan or new to the practice, you’ll be able to follow along with her demonstrations. She says you can spend a little longer in each move if you need more time to get a feel for them, so feel free to hit pause when you need to.  

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates improves your strength and flexibility simultaneously. It's a low-impact form of exercise, designed to put less stress on your joints. If you find high-impact training like running or HIIT hard on your joints or you have an injury then routines like this will give you a more gentle workout. No equipment is needed, although you may want to do it on a yoga mat to cushion yourself from a hard floor. 

Pilates is also great for building your core, a collection of mid-body muscles that are involved in most of your everyday movements. They connect your upper and lower body and help you transfer power between the two areas. The muscles in this area also play a pivotal role in your balance, posture, and spinal stability, so strengthening them can have all kinds of positive effects. 

If you want more quick routines like this one, have a look at our five-minute Pilates workout or try this quick Pilates abs workout.