- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Mat (I love using the Contrology Folding Mat.)
- Reps: 10-20 each side
- Warning: Not ideal for some hip or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Standing Marching on the Mat
Pilates standing exercises build strength, challenge balance and can raise your heart rate! The Pilates Marching exercise is one of those exercises that increases your heart rate while also challenging your balance. And, more importantly teaches you how to work your legs from your center so when you’re out and about if you miss a step your body and pick your feet up and regain your balance! There’s a lot of research on the earlier we do feet balance work the less likely we are to trip and fall as we are older. Use the Standing Marching on the Pilates Mat as a daily stand alone exercise. Or, add it to the end of a Mat Pilates workout! Next time you trip notice how your body takes this exercise to help you from a bad fall.
The Pilates Marching exercise is one of those exercises that increases your heart rate while also challenging your balance.
Standing with your feet about a hips distance apart. Feet and legs parallel. Bend and layer your arms at shoulder height. Lift up through your center and drop your tailbone down.
Without leaning to one side bend one knee and lift it as high as you can without rounding your back. Reach it down and switch legs. Repeat and try to pick up your pace. How fast can you lift your legs without slouching to meet your legs? How fast can you switch without stomping or landing your feet too hard?
If going well try to do the same action with the legs turned out. Pull one knee up to your elbow then switch. Then go between turn out and parallel. 10-30x
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Mat exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Mat training!