If you’ve ever finished a workout feeling more wrecked than refreshed, it might be time to roll out the mat. Pilates has long been the gold standard for building a strong core, improved posture, and long, lean muscle, but its greatest secret is how it leaves you feeling: energized rather than exhausted.
We know that getting to a studio isn't always feasible between work, family, and life in the Texas Hill Country. That’s why we’ve partnered with local expert Danielle Edwards to bring the studio experience directly to your living room. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a total beginner, these two curated routines prove that you don’t need a room full of expensive reformers to see results.
The beauty of these workouts lies in their simplicity. There are no bulky weights or complicated machines required—all you need is a yoga mat and a bit of floor space. Edwards has designed these movements to be accessible, effective, and perfectly suited for a busy schedule. By focusing on controlled breathing and precise alignment, you’ll discover how a few dedicated minutes at home can transform your physical strength and mental clarity. Ready to find your center? Let's dive in.
The Hundred
This exercise is one of the most well-known Pilates workouts, and it’s for good reason. “The Hundred” is designed to warm up the body, get your blood flowing, and connect your breath to your movement—all while engaging your core (or what we call the “powerhouse”). It’s also a great way to center your mind and settle into your workout.
- To get started, lie on your back with your knees bent, legs together, and feet flat on the floor. Let your arms rest long by your sides and take a moment to lengthen your spine.
- From here, gently curl your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat, bringing your chin toward your chest. At the same time, bring your knees toward your chest and lift your arms so they hover just above your sides. Your core should be doing the work here, not your neck.
- Once you’re in position, begin pumping your arms up and down a few inches while keeping them straight and energized. Inhale for a count of five, then exhale for a count of five. The breath should be steady and intentional, matching the rhythm of your arms.
- You’ll repeat this breathing pattern for a total of 10 full breaths, which should equal 100 arm pumps (hence the name!).
- As you get stronger, you can increase the challenge by extending your legs out straight or lifting them off the mat. Just be sure you can still keep your core engaged, your spine imprinted, and your lower ribs into the floor.
One Leg Circle
The One-Leg Circle is a classic Pilates move that looks deceptively simple but is actually a masterclass in pelvic stability and hip mobility. While one leg draws a circle in the air, the true work is happening in the stationary part of your body. Your abdominal muscles must engage deeply to keep your hips from rocking, teaching your body how to maintain a strong, quiet center even when your limbs are in motion. It is a fantastic way to stretch the hamstrings and hips while simultaneously challenging your core's ability to "anchor" your entire frame against gravity.
- Start by lying on your back with both legs long on the mat and your arms resting by your sides. Take a second to settle in and find length through your spine.
- Lift one leg up toward the ceiling, keeping it as straight as you comfortably can. The other leg should stay long and grounded—think of it as your anchor. Flex your anchor foot at the ankle for stability.
- From here, start to draw small circles on the ceiling with your lifted leg. Cross slightly over your body, circle it down, around, and back to center. Sounds easy, right? The challenge is keeping your hips completely still while the leg moves.
- Your core (your “powerhouse”) is working behind the scenes to keep everything stable. If your hips start rocking, just make the circle smaller. This isn’t about how big you go, but how controlled you stay.
- Breathe naturally as you complete five to eight circles in one direction, then reverse it for another five to eight circles. It’s a great reminder that in Pilates, sometimes the smallest movements are doing the most work.