You only need five minutes to build strength and develop your core with this quick Pilates routine

We all know exercise is good for us, but it can be difficult to find time to do it. 

Exercise snacking is a simple way to squeeze some mood-boosting movement into your day. You could do a few squats, lunges, push-ups or burpees. Or, you could try doing something like this five-minute Pilates routine from ACE-certified personal trainer and Balanced Body Pilates educator Staci Alden. 

Simply do the nine movements for 30 seconds each (except for the supine leg circles, where you’ll do 30 seconds on each leg) to stretch and strengthen your whole body from head to toe. 

Staci Alden’s five-minute Pilates routine

1. Seated breathing

Time: 30 seconds

• Sit cross-legged or with your legs straight out in front of you with your hands on your rib cage. 
• Take a full breath in, trying to expand the lungs under your hands.
• On the exhale, draw the belly in and lengthen the spine to sit tall.

2. Half roll back

Time: 30 seconds

• Sit upright with your legs out in front of you, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. 
• Holding your arms straight out in front of you, exhale, and as you do tuck your tailbone and lean back halfway, really trying to sink the tailbone down.
• Stop halfway, then slowly sit back up to the starting position. 

3. Half roll back with twist

Time: 30 seconds

• Sit with legs out in front of you, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold your arms straight out in front of you.
• Exhale and, as you do, tuck your tailbone and lean back halfway while twisting to one side (as pictured above).
• From here, slowly sit back up to the starting position then repeat, alternating sides. 

4. Supine leg circles

Time: 30 seconds on each leg

• Lie on your back with your arms by your sides, pressing into the ground with your hands. 
• Lift one leg up to the ceiling and point your toes upwards. 
• Draw small circles with the raised…