11 Best Pilates Abs Moves, According to Pilates Instructors

There’s a reason everyone from celebs and TikTokers to fitness editors is into Pilates right now. This low-impact workout modality combines flexibility, strength, and endurance into exercises that can be done either on a mat or using a reformer in class (or at home, with a bit more of a price tag). And it’s also amazing at building core strength. Most Pilates workouts incorporate plenty of core work throughout — often, you’ll flow in and out of poses with a yoga-like emphasis on breath, working your abs with nearly every move. However, if you want to dedicate some time specifically to strengthening your abs (and everything else that makes up your core), you can do a full Pilates ab workout or try a couple of Pilates ab exercises that are sure to get the job done.

If you can’t get to a Pilates studio or you just prefer home workouts, never fear. You can still get in a solid Pilates ab workout with nothing but a mat or space on a comfortable floor. To make it easy, we asked 12 different Pilates instructors for their top ab moves; incorporate a few of these exercises into your next core workout for a slow and steady burn that’ll strengthen your abs and so much more.

Experts Featured in This Article

Nwando Emejulu is a certified Pilates instructor at New York Pilates.

Julie Erickson is a certified Pilates teacher at Endurance Pilates.

Jennifer Herrera is a Pilates Method-certified teacher who’s certified in mat and reformer Pilates.

Lisa Kaye is a licensed Pilates instructor.

Liz Chen is a mat-certified Pilates instructor.

Mary Badon is a Pilates instructor and the owner of Soma Movement Studio in Connecticut.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT is a physical therapist and BASI-certified Pilates instructor at Fusion Wellness and Physical Therapy.

Supatra Tovar is a certified Pilates instructor and clinical psychologist.

Kelsey Taylor is a personal trainer and Peak Pilates-certified instructor.

Tracy Green is a certified Pilates and barre instructor at Baptist Health-Milestone Wellness Center in Louisville, KY.

Gia Calhoun is a Pilates instructor and vice president of Pilates Anytime.

Molly Niles Renshaw is a certified Pilates instructor and cofounder of Phoenix Classical Pilates.