Effortlessly boost your core strength with this quick, five-minute Pilates program, designed to simplify the challenging plank exercise.
Strengthen Your Core with Jillian Hardwick's Five-Minute Plank Prep Routine
Jillian Hardwick, the founder of HB Pilates, an online fitness program, has shared a five-minute Pilates routine designed to prepare the body for plank exercises. This routine, which can be done at home, uses a resistance band to add controlled tension and activate the core and upper body muscles.
The routine, suitable for people of all ages, is structured as a flow of exercises targeting the shoulders, arms, and core. It involves using a long resistance band to add controlled tension throughout the exercises, performing focused arm and shoulder movements to activate the upper body muscles, and incorporating movements that engage the core stabilizers.
The routine consists of four exercises, all performed using a resistance band wrapped around the mid-back. Jillian recommends performing 8-10 reps for the first three exercises, while for the banded plank hold, aim for three sets.
To replicate Jillian's routine precisely, it's recommended to follow her TikTok videos tagged with “Pilates” and “resistance band,” where she demonstrates exercises such as the T-Train Swing Plie Flow and specific arm exercises prep for planks using bands.
If you find planks challenging or experience pain in your back, neck, or shoulders during a plank, it may be beneficial to perform plank prep exercises. By strengthening the back and shoulder muscles, these exercises can help improve the correct upper-body position during the full plank.
Jillian Hardwick's on-demand service provides the full gentle mat Pilates routine for more guidance. For those interested, an on-demand membership for HB Pilates starts at $42 a month.
Hardwick, who discovered the power of Pilates after fracturing her spine, helps others overcome life's obstacles and stay strong and active with her virtual Pilates and fitness classes.
For a beginner, a three-band set from TheraBand, a trusted manufacturer of resistance bands, is available, with both latex and non-latex versions.
References:
[1] Jillian Hardwick's TikTok: [Link to TikTok video] [2] HB Pilates: [Link to HB Pilates website]
- Jillian Hardwick's five-minute Pilates routine, suitable for home workouts, encourages the activation of core and upper body muscles, making it a valuable addition to any health-and-wellness fitness routine.
- The science behind Jillian Hardwick's Pilates routine suggests that by focusing on specific arm and shoulder movements and engaging the core stabilizers, one can improve their fitness-and-exercise regimen and positively impact their overall health.
- To explore more workouts and exercises beyond the five-minute plank prep routine, consider subscribing to Jillian Hardwick's on-demand service, which offers a comprehensive Pilates program for all fitness levels at an affordable monthly rate.
