If you happen to watch a Pilates class, you will notice that these exercise sets look quite easy and can involve equipment or can be done on the mat. Many people are under the impression that these exercises are easy and do not require a lot of energy, but this is far from truth. These exercises are enough to leave a regular gym goer out of breath! It helps you build endurance, balance, mobility and flexibility. But most importantly it builds your core strength. Your core strength helps you relieve low back pain, improves balance and decreases your risk of falling. Here are some Pilates exercises that will strengthen your core! Leg Raises Leg lifts are a great exercise for beginners that target your core, specifically your deepest abdominal muscle and your back. You'll need 3-5 sets to feel the burn. How to do: Lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Take a deep breath in, filling your lower back. As you exhale, tighten your core like you're gently pulling a belt in. Lift one leg straight up to a tabletop position without moving your hips or back. Hold for a breath, then exhale and lift the other leg to join the first. Hold this tabletop position for count of 5, then slowly lower your legs back down with control. Toe taps Tone your abs and backside with toe taps! This beginner-friendly move is perfect for those starting out. How to do: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Breathe out and lift one leg straight up to tabletop position. Hold for a breath, then exhale and bring the other leg up to join it. Keep your core engaged and back flat throughout. Inhale to hold, then exhale and slowly lower one foot to tap the ground while keeping the other leg lifted. Breathe that leg back to tabletop and repeat with the other side. Aim for 5 taps on each leg. Single leg stretch Strengthen your core, back, and hips with the single leg stretch! This exercise can be adapted for beginners and intermediates. How to do: Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your head, neck, and shoulders slightly off the ground as you exhale, looking towards your knees. Inhale and place your hands on your knees. Now comes the stretch: exhale and slowly extend one leg out at a diagonal, keeping your back flat and abs engaged. Don't push yourself too far, lower the leg only as far as you can comfortably without arching your back. Hold one hand on the knee of the bent leg and reach the other hand towards the opposite ankle. Inhale to bring the extended leg back to tabletop position, then repeat with the other leg. Aim for 8 repetitions on each side. One leg circle Give your core and legs a workout with single leg circles! This beginner move is great for all-around toning. How to do: Lie flat on your back with both legs extended. Keep your hips flat and neutral as you exhale and lift one leg straight up (a slight bend in the knee is okay). Inhale and reach that lifted leg across your body, keeping your hips still. Now, exhale and slowly draw circles with your leg, trying to keep your hips stable throughout the movement. Imagine your pelvis is a bowl of water and you don't want to spill a drop! Do 5 circles in one direction, then switch legs and repeat for the other side. Side bend preparation This exercise, beginner-friendly with an intermediate option, targets your obliques and core stability. How to do: Lie on your side with knees bent, stacked one on top of the other, and feet resting comfortably behind you. Prop yourself up on your forearm with your elbow directly under your shoulder. Now, the fun part! Breathe out and push your forearm into the mat, lifting your hips off the ground. Inhale to lower your hips halfway down, then exhale to push them back up. Repeat 8-10 times, feeling the burn in your obliques. Then, carefully lower your hips and switch sides to repeat!