Strengthen your core and back in less than 10 minutes with this simple Pilates routine

The plank is one of the most versatile exercises out there. It engages the entire body and it's particularly useful for building core strength. This workout from certified Pilates instructor Katy Bath proves just how much you can do with the plank, with four variations in just eight minutes that will target your back, shoulder and mid-body muscles. 

Pilates is a type of exercise that uses your body weight to engage your core and back. Unlike other types of workouts such as HIIT, Pilates encourages you to move slowly in order to increase the time your muscles are under tension. 

You can do this workout on its own to revive yourself first thing in the morning or even during your lunch break. Or, do it as a finisher after a strength session like this full-body dumbbell workout.

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Watch Katy Bath's 8-minute Pilates routine

Perform eight reps of each exercise and repeat the sequence twice. Remember to move slowly and intentionally rather than rushing through. 

In order to get the most out of this workout, take your time to perfect your plank position. Read our guide on how to do a plank or follow our tips below. 

How to do a plank

Start by lying on your front and rest on your elbows with your arms at 90 degrees. Then, balance on your toes and elbows while you lift your hips and torso off the floor.

Engage your core continuously throughout. Do this by squeezing your glutes, tucking your ribcage in and tightening  your abdominal muscles. Your hips should be level with the rest of your body—not sticking up higher or dipping down lower. As your muscles start to fatigue, your hips might start to drop so you’ll need to work your core harder to avoid this. 

Bath recommends focusing on your mind-muscle connection throughout this routine. This means taking your awareness to the muscles you're moving and intentionally engaging them. This can help to improve your form and help you focus on doing the movement correctly. 

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