In this hectic day and age, it's hard to squeeze in a bit of time for a good workout no matter how hard we try. However, what if you could do a quick workout right in the comfort of your home? It will save you time and money and do your health a world of good. A great at-home fitness routine you can try is pilates. You don't need any equipment to try it, as a mat will do just fine. Pilates workouts can help tone, as well as strengthen the body. While it may seem daunting, it can be easy to do once you get the hang of it. Here are a few pilates workouts for beginners you can try today.

This pilates move works wonders and is challenging. The entire workout is designed to strengthen your core. It particularly works on the transverse abdominus - a major muscle located in the lower abs and helps to keep protect your low back. For this pose, lie on your back and bring your knees toward your chest. Next, place your hands at the back of your head. Once you've got that down, begin the workout by bringing your left shoulder toward your right knee all while extending your left leg. Do the same thing with the right shoulder and left knee. Practise this movement for at least 30 seconds.

This pilates exercise helps to strengthen your upper and lower abs. It also offers protection for your low back, as well as strengthens your core. The move helps the body to automatically stay stable while you pull your legs and arms in and out. To do this, you need to lie on your back and bring your knees towards your chest. Bring your head up and keep your hands on your knees. Next, extend your legs out. Make sure to get the legs as straight as possible. Hold this pose for a while.

Hip flexors and the transverse abdominis are the major muscles involved in the scissor kick routine. The hip flexors help to lift your legs and hold it a little distance off the floor. Meanwhile, transverse abdominis offers stability in order for you to balance while in this posture. To do the scissor kick lie on your back. Next, extend your right leg up. Make sure it's perpendicular to the floor. Then place your hand behind your right legs and pull it towards your face. Do the same thing with the left leg and keep switching your legs with this manoeuvre for a few minutes.

This one is yet again a rather simple exercise. First, lie straight on your back. Then hug one knee into your chest while curling your head up. Reach the other leg out and make sure it stays above the floor. Without rocking your torso try to keep switching from one leg to the other. Repeat this exercise 8-12 times on one leg.

This move not only helps to make your abdominals stronger, but it also helps to give your body a good warm up. To do this exercise, lie on your back and extend your legs to a 45-degree angle. Lift your head and back off the floor by using your abdominal muscles. Stretch your arm out. Next, as you inhale and exhale pump your arms down and up. You should do this 10 times.

This exercise is not only fun to do but it will also help strengthen your muscles, glutes and hamstrings. Lie on your stomach and make sure that your upper body stays on the mat while you perform this workout. When you inhale, lift your legs, chest and arms off the ground. Then move your body the same as you would if you were really swimming. You should try this 20 times and build your way up to 50.

This is a popular exercise for beginners as it helps to improve your balance by strengthening your hip flexors and abdominals. First, you need to lie flat on your back. Next, extend your arms out over your head and lift your legs to 45 degrees. As you exhale tighten your abdominal muscles. Make sure to keep your knees bent. Ideally, you should do this at least three times.

This routine helps you build abdominal strength and strengthen your spine. All you have to do is lie flat on your back, extend your legs and arm. Keep the palms facing up. Next, press your lower back deep into the ground. When you begin, you need to exhale and then inhale when you raise your arms high up at the ceiling. Then start to curl your spine off the mat and slowly rise up. You should repeat this at least five times.