Celebrities are often the first to try the latest workout
fads, but Kate Hudson is an (extremely fit) exception. The star has remained
loyal to her Pilates practice-and instructor-for more than 15 years. During the
duo’s three to five weekly sessions, Nicole Stuart puts our cover star through
a challenging routine that includes a different mix of moves every time. But
these four toners (or some variation of them) are always in the rotation. Add
them to your workout and discover why, for a sexy body, Pilates has major
staying power.
How it works
Three to five times a week, do each exercise in order.
You’ll need
Nothing! (A mat is optional.)
1.
Roll up / works abs
Lie face up with arms extended overhead, palms facing
ceiling. Extend legs with heels together and toes turned out. Exhale as you
raise your arms over your chest [a], pull your abs in, and roll up to seated
[b];continue until you’re bent over your legs reaching your hands forward
[c].Inhale, then exhale as you reverse the sequence to return to starting position.
Do 5 reps.
Roll up / works
abs
2.
Double-leg stretch / works abs and legs
Lie face up with knees bent over your hips, heels together
and toes pointed. Lift your shoulders and extend your arms on either side of
your legs, palms facing each other [a]; inhale. Exhale as you extend your legs
in front of you and bring your arms overhead, palms facing legs [b].Return to
starting position. Do 15 reps.
On the go
When our cover star travels, she squeezes in a sweat session
with Stuart’s QE2 app. It includes 10- minute workouts for your arms, hips,
butt, legs, and abs, as well as a stretching plan.
Lie face up with
knees bent over your hips, heels together and toes pointed.
3.
Rond de jambe / works butt, legs, and core
Lie on your right side with legs extended and stacked on the
floor, feet slightly in front of hips and heels together. Place your hands
behind your head or extend right arm and rest head on it. Raise your left leg
straight up [a],then move it in a circular motion in front of you [b],behind
you [c],and then raise it straight up to starting position. Do 10 reps. Switch
sides to complete set.
Rond de jambe /
works butt, legs, and core
4.
Hot potato/ works butt, legs, and core
Lie on your right side with legs extended on the floor, feet
slightly in front of hips. Place your hands behind your head or extend right
arm and rest head on it. Raise left leg toward the ceiling, then lower it
toward the floor in front of right foot [a]and pulse it up and down six times.
Raise left leg straight up again, then lower it toward the floor behind right
foot [b]and pulse it up and down six times. Do 6 reps, pulsing for 1 count
fewer each time. Switch sides to complete set.
Lie on your right
side with legs extended on the floor, feet slightly in front of hips
