I tried this 10-minute upper-body Pilates routine and it activated my core muscles and challenged my balance

Woman doing plank shoulder taps in living room.

I lift weights on a regular basis, but I've recently been experimenting with bodyweight workouts to diversify the way I move and the muscles I use.

Equipment-free workouts such as Pilates—which involve slow, controlled movements with an emphasis on the core—can help to improve your balance, coordination and stability. These are all essential for moving safely through your workouts and everyday  life.