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.
Focusing on bringing yoga to a demographic that wouldn't normally see the benefits of a method of training that incorporates breathing while moving into postures that build strength, balance, flexibility, and mental focus.
Visible muscle tone comes from both building lean muscle and reducing body fat. Pilates alone may not be the most efficient path to fat loss, but it prepares the body for higher-intensity exercise and supports better movement patterns. For optimal toning, Pilates works best alongside cardiovascular exercise and dietary changes.
Firstly, whilst Pilates does not use heavy loads there are many exercises which utilise resistance particularly if working with the large Pilates equipment.
But yes – it’s true that a dedicated and consistent practice of Pilates alongside a healthy and balanced lifestyle will likely make you feel stronger and more toned, perhaps even with leaner limbs.
So, does Pilates help you to lose weight? The reality is, doing Pilates on its own will not be sufficient exercise to lose weight. If you are after the most direct strategy to losing weight a combination of diet and exercise is needed.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making.
Take note though – not all fat is bad. We need body fat for vital biological processes and to provide a protective layer around our most precious organs. Women naturally have more body fat than men. A healthy percentage of body fat is not less than 14% for women and not less than 10% for men.
We are unable to match our clients with partners, but please feel body pulse pilates free to connect with other clients or invite a friend to join you.
This will work you hard through the supporting shoulder, side of the trunk and also challenge your glutes – especially with the leg lift.
Lengthening and Strengthening: The goal of Pilates is to make muscles longer and stronger at the same time. This helps give people who do it regularly that long, lean, and toned look. It builds muscle endurance and makes your body look balanced instead of just building muscle mass on its own.
There are so many benefits of Pilates! One of key things Pilates helps with is your breathing efficiency. The muscles that you use for breathing, such as your diaphragm, are linked to the muscles of your core.
At Vitality At Home in Grand Rapids, our Pilates program welcomes adults hoping to regain or improve their active lifestyle after injury or hiatus. We offer personalized attention from certified instructors in a supportive, upscale environment conducive to holistic healing.
Exhale and circle your arms around to grasp your shins again, drawing your knees back into your chest.