10 best Pilates moves for effective weight loss

Pilates is a total body workout which helps in inch and fat loss.

Pilates is a great form of exercise to tone muscles and lose inches and body fat. Give Pilates a try in 2015 for a fantastic full body workout. Here are the top 10 Pilates moves for weight loss recommended by celebrity fitness and Pilates instructor Radhika Karle.

Pilates push-up: This is a great way to start your Pilates routine as you work out your entire upper body and core. This push-up is different from the traditional one as the elbows graze the side of your ribcage than going outwards. Also, you come back to the standing position in-between reps. Here's how to do this exercise.

Supine arm work on the reformer: Reformer is one of the most versatile Pilates apparatus. This exercise works on your core muscles both lower and upper ones. You can try different variations to work on them. For this exercise you lie in a supine position on the reformer. Here's a video that demonstrates the right way to do it. Though it looks easy, it definitely works out your core.

Side-lying leg lift: This Pilates move targets your obliques and legs especially the inner thigh region. So if that is your problem area, you should definitely try this move. It also engages your core. Watch this video to learn the right technique.

Leg pull front and back: These are a set of 2 exercises that challenge both upper body and core strength. The leg pull front uses your chest and arms to engage your core and pelvis while the leg pull back uses the back. Though the same muscles are worked on, you use different body parts each time. Watch both the videos to see the different variations.

Lunges on Pilates chair: In this exercise, you work on the hamstrings, butt and pelvic areas. The lunge is done using a chair which makes it more intense as your stride is higher and deeper than a normal lunge. Watch the video to learn the correct technique.

Feet in straps on the reformer: This exercise is the best way to work out the hips, glutes, and large leg muscles. It is done on the reformer machine where your feet are strapped in and then you move up and down to work on the lower body. Here are a few variations you could try on the reformer.

Saw: Another Pilates move on the mat that looks deceivingly simple yet works some deep back muscles. It is mostly a spine rotation exercise. But if you have back problems, you may want to skip this or try a different, easier variation. This video demonstrates how to do the saw.

Hip circles: This is an advanced mat Pilates move that promises to leave you feeling worked out from head to toe. Though it looks simple as you are basically just rotating your legs in a circular fashion, it is definitely exhausting. Watch the right way to do it.

Snake on the Pilates Reformer: An advanced move which shows how Pilates truly is about full body integration. This exercise requires stamina, balance and coordination in the right measure as you may end up falling flat if you do not perform it the right way. Watch this video to learn.

Swan on the Pilates chair: This Pilates move elongates your spine and lengthens your back. It engages your chest and shoulders as well. You need a special chair to do this exercise as you lie on your stomach and then perform it. Here's a video that shows you how to do it.

Image source: Getty Images

Video source: YouTube

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