Workout Wednesday: The Clamshell

As silly as its name might sound, the clamshell exercise is widely used in Pilates classes, physical therapy clinics, and general strength and toning routines. It requires very little space and no equipment, so it's a good one to have in your back pocket. This exercise is especially beneficial for building hip strength, which is important for everything from running laps to carrying your kids. 

Benefits:  This basic pilates move targets and helps strengthen glutes, inner thighs, hip muscles and abdominals.

Step 1

Lay down on your side. Bend your knees, keeping heels together and off the floor.  Press your hand that is in front into the ground to engage your abdominals.

Step 2

Open and close knees at a 45 degree angle (like a clamshell!), creating resistance in both directions of the movement.  

Repeat 10 to 15 times than switch sides.

Honest Tip:  Make sure to keep the top hip above the bottom hip while exercising.

~Leila, FitPilates

Leila Cunningham is a Certified Pilates Instructor based in Los Angeles, California. When she isn’t sharing her knowledge and passion for Pilates at her studio, she’s spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. For more fitness tips and easy exercises, check out her YouTube channel.

This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for health advice. Before undertaking any course of exercise, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.