The 100

The first exercise that comes in the traditional classic mat sequence is called the 100. It is called the 100 because you pump your arms 100 times as you control your breathe and work the abdominals. Sounds kinda like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, right? It is found throughout the entire Pilates method so it's important to master early in your practice- it's one of the first exercises within the classical beginner, intermediate and advanced reformer repertoire.  Let's walk through it and break it down...you'll be amazed how accessible yet challenging it really is.

1. Lying on your mat, pull your knees to table top position

2. Lift your head, neck and shoulder blades off the mat gazing towards your belly button

3. Arms lift off the mat, floating to just higher than your hips

4. Begin pumping your arms in small, yet controlled movements like you are slapping water

5. Start to breathe in for a count of 5, then out for a count of five trying to move your arms with your breath. When I'm teaching, I cue it as " start to pump your arms and breathe in, 2, 3, 4, 5, and exhale 2,3,4,5)

Your goal is to eventually get to 100 pumps! Sounds like a lot but it's not too bad...to help keep track I like to break it into 10 sets...so you just breathe in for five counts out for five counts 10 times and you're done!!!