If you have ever done any Pilates before you probably know that the hundred is the fundamental exercise for Pilates. If you have never done Pilates or even heard about Pilates, then the hundred may be something new to you that you can incorporate into your workout routine.

The reason why the hundred is the fundamental exercise when it comes to Pilates is because it is one of the best exercises to work your core muscles and also improve your cardiovascular endurance. One thing that you have to remember when doing the hundred exercise and any Pilates moves is that you must remember to control your breathing and make an easy transition from one stage of the exercise to other. It should be one easy fluid movement.

Here is how to the hundred exercise:
1. Lie on your back on a carpeted surface or a padded exercise mat. Bend your knees with your feet flat on the ground as you place your hands behind your knees.
2. Use your abdominals to bring your head off the ground as you continue to curl your spine so that your shoulders are off the ground as well.
3. Extend your legs out as you also extend your arms straight out. The lower your legs are the harder the exercise, so only go as low as you can without lifting your lower back off the ground.
4. Pump your arms up and down in a small and controlled way as you take small breaths in and out. Be sure that you are not straining your back or neck as your abdominals should be tight and doing all the work.
5. Inhale for 5 counts and then exhale for 5 counts and that counts as one cycle. To fully complete the hundred, do 10 cycles, as you continue to pump your arms up and down.
6. When done with 100 counts, keep your upper body curved and off the ground as you bring your knees back into your chest. Lower your shoulders and head back to the ground as you slightly stretch your back.

If you are looking for something a little more challenging, then try lowering your legs so that they are only off the ground a few inches. This makes the hundred exercise much more difficult. If you need something that is a little easier if you have neck problems or are new to exercising, you can keep your knees bent with your feet on the floor and do the entire exercise that way.

The hundred will definitely provide you with a huge improvement in your core strength and will also improve your endurance when it comes to exercising.