Whilst Pilates isn’t so good at building muscle bulk or power, what it is great at is utilising your postural muscles. These are deep muscles that tend to be closer to the skeleton that hold us up against gravity and provide stability around the joints whilst we are moving.
Pilates may provide noticeable changes in your body within a few weeks or months of consistent practice. However, the speed of change will vary, depending on factors such as your current fitness level, frequency and intensity of Pilates sessions, daily caloric intake and overall lifestyle habits. Consistency is key to seeing results from any exercise program.
Try our free 10-minute Ab Workout and learn the foundations of deep core training. Perfect for all levels, this quick workout will get you started on your journey to a stronger, more toned core.
But to focus solely on the body-toning benefits of Pilates is to overlook the plethora of other mental and physical benefits Pilates brings – not to mention the fact that when it comes to body composition, we’re looking at a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, diet and more, and no amount of downward dog will ever negate the impact of all of these – and nor should we expect it to. After all, a toned body, albeit a nice side effect, isn't our only
Many people think toning is just about losing fat, but it’s really about muscle definition, endurance, and strength without significant bulk. Pilates achieves this by:
In addition to consistent Pilates practice, you also need to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate cardiovascular activities for overall body fat reduction.
In choosing exercise, activities that increase your heart rate and get you out of breath are more effective at helping weight loss.
Pilates simultaneously strengthens and stretches your entire body in a low-impact format. Think resistance training meets yoga, with added emphasis on precision and breathwork.
One-on-One Sessions are by far the most effective way to practice Pilates/Suspension Training. The instructors will create a customized program based on your health, goals, and ability, and will re-evaluate your progress from time to time to make sure results are obtained.
Strengthening exercise to increase the amount of muscle you have is also valuable, since muscle tissue uses more energy than fat.
Lean and toned up body isn’t just a far-fetched fantasy. Check out the BetterMe app and watch it propel your weight loss journey into high gear!
Both methods work, but if you’re looking for faster toning results, the Reformer provides extra resistance for deeper body pulse pilates muscle engagement.
Pilates is for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner, recovering from an injury, or looking for a low-impact alternative to traditional workouts, Pilates can be modified to fit any fitness level.
Being aware of and in control of your body: Pilates focuses on the mind-body connection, which helps you learn how to move more precisely and with more control.