05/04/2026
💯The hundred💯, what is it and why does it seem to feature in so many Pilates classes? I know that’s exactly what you were about to ask me, right? 😉
Well here are the answers you’ve been waiting for!
What is it?
💯The Hundred is one of Joseph Pilates classical mat movements. It involves raising the legs, head and shoulders off the mat and pumping your arms up and down.
💯Now the most important part is, say it with me everyone, BREATHING! During the hundred we are inhaling for 5 counts, and exhaling for 5 counts, repeated 10 times, making a total of 100 (coincidence?🤷♀️)
💯The Hundred is often performed close to the beginning of a class, during or straight after the warm up…
Why?
I’m so glad you asked!
💯Blood flow… The Hundred works the entire body, increasing your heart rate. It’s a fantastic way to warm up for the class ahead!
💯Breathing… something I say about 100 times a day, whether it be throughout a Pilates class, or during a PT session: breathing is important! The hundred helps to regulate your breath and increases your oxygen intake. So much of Pilates is built on correct breathing. The Hundred sets you up for success!
💯Core… everything we do stems from our core. The hundred engages your deep core muscles, which can then help to reduce back pain, improve pelvic floor function, improve posture, improve balance, I could go on!
The Hundred can feel quite humbling, but there are so many amazing benefits to this movement. While we are going through the motions of different classes and exercises, it is important to remind ourselves of the whys. Why we are there, why these movements are going to help us.
Pop me a message for information on my classes or training.
S xx