How to Do the Pilates Hundred

 
 
 

The Hundred is a classical Pilates move that is one of the 34 original Pilates exercises by Joseph Pilates. It is commonly practiced at the beginning of a Pilates sequence and serves as a total-body warm-up, getting its name from the 100 arm-toning pumps you’ll do while you extend your legs off your mat in a Pilates stance. 

Learn how to do the One Hundred with Alo Moves Pilates instructor Tela Anderson. To put it into practice, try her Classical Pilates Sequence class


Benefits of the Pilates Hundred

  • Develops core strength and coordination 

  • Builds stamina 

  • Warms up and prepares the body for Pilates practice 


 

How to Do the Pilates Hundred

 
 
 
  1. Lie down on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing down. Draw your knees into your chest. 

  2. Curl your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat toward your knees.  

  3. Stretch your legs out at a 45-degree angle in a Pilates stance. 

  4. Squeeze the back of your thighs together and scoop in your abdominals. 

  5. Lift your arms up to hips-level and start vigorously pumping them up and down — five pumps while inhaling and five pumps while exhaling. 

  6. Continue 10 times for a total of 100 arm pumps. 


Avoid the Pilates Hundred if you’re experiencing: 

  • Pregnancy 

  • Pelvic floor issues 

  • Neck injuries 


Practice a full-length Pilates class, as well as yoga, Barre, and more, with a free 14-day trial to Alo Moves. 


 
 
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