Intermediate Pilates Exercises

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated: 4 May 2022

The following intermediate Pilates exercises are designed to improve your posture, core stability, flexibility and strength. You should discuss the suitability of these intermediate Pilates exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should only be performed provided they do not cause or increase pain.

Ensure you know how to achieve neutral spine and can correctly activate your stabilising muscles prior to commencing these intermediate Pilates exercises (see Pilates – Before You Start). Generally you should begin with the beginner Pilates exercises before commencing these intermediate Pilates exercises. Once these intermediate exercises are too easy, progress to the advanced Pilates exercises.

Intermediate Pilates Exercises

To begin with, the following intermediate Pilates exercises should be performed approximately 1 – 3 times per week. As your control improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions, or frequency of the exercises provided they do not cause or increase pain.

Prone Hold

Begin this Pilates exercise propped up on your elbows and toes in neutral spine as demonstrated (figure 1). Maintain activation of your transversus abdominis and pelvic floor muscles throughout the exercise. Try to keep your spine and pelvis still and breathe normally. Hold this position for as long as possible provided it is pain free and you are maintaining good posture. Repeat 3 times.

Darts

Begin this Pilates exercise lying on your stomach with your arms by your side in neutral spine (figure 2). Maintain activation of your transversus abdominis and pelvic floor throughout the exercise. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and slowly lift your arms and chest off the ground, keeping your neck straight as demonstrated. Hold for 2 seconds at the top of the movement. Then, slowly lower your chest back down, followed by your arms, and then finally relax your shoulder blades back to the starting position. Perform 10 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free. This exercise may be performed with palms facing up or down.

Single Leg Kicks

Begin this Pilates exercise lying on your stomach with your hands underneath your forehead and your body in neutral spine as demonstrated (figure 3). Maintain activation of your transversus abdominis and pelvic floor throughout the exercise. Slowly bend one knee until the lower leg is pointing upwards. Lift your bent knee just a few inches off the floor without moving your lower back. Slowly straighten the knee, then lower the leg back down to the floor, returning to the starting position. Keep your spine and pelvis still throughout the exercise and breathe normally. Perform 10 repetitions on each leg provided the exercise is pain free.

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

   Physiotherapy Products for Intermediate Pilates Exercises

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with Pilates exercises or back injuries click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

  More Information

• View What is Clinical Pilates?
• View Before You Start Pilates
• View Beginner Pilates Exercises
• View Advanced Pilates Exercises
• View Pilates Foam Roller Exercises
• View Pelvic Floor Exercises

Find a Physio

Find a physiotherapist in your local area who can assist with intermediate Pilates exercises.

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member

Link to this Page

If you would like to link to this article on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="https://physioadvisor.com.au/exercises/pilates/intermediate-exercises”>Intermediate Pilates Exercises – PhysioAdvisor.com</a><br/>PhysioAdvisor offers detailed physiotherapy information on intermediate pilates exercises and mat exercises.

Return to the top of Intermediate Pilates Exercises.