For the uninitiated, Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout focussing on slow, controlled movements aligned with breathwork, with a central tenet of core stability. Developed in the early 20th century by German boxer Joseph Pilates, it originally evolved as a form of rehabilitation for injured soldiers, before becoming popular with New York’s elite dancers and celebrities, spawning a worldwide movement that’s still going from strength to strength over 100 years later.
With improved posture comes better musculoskeletal health, athletic performance, confidence, and even heightened energy levels. Pilates increases your body awareness, helping you carry yourself with grace while preventing compensations that cause
This is in contrast to contracting and shortening the muscles. This lengthening work (known as ‘eccentric’ training) encourages long and strong muscles. This may help to strengthen without adding muscle bulk.
Yes, Pilates-based strength training can aid in weight loss and muscle toning when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
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.
If we think of being ‘toned’ as meaning that someone has good muscle definition then we want to know how to get muscle definition.
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 the body house training meets yoga, with added emphasis on precision and breathwork.
That started a process that would change my ideology and method of training the human body forever.
I remember the day one of my clients walked into my office, frustrated. “I’ve been running and dieting for months,” she said, “but my body still looks the same. I just want to look toned—will Pilates help?”
Combined with a balanced lifestyle, Pilates is a smart, sustainable way to reshape how your body looks and feels.
However, you should not rely on this method of exercise if you are keen to lose weight. There are some classes that combine cardiovascular exercise and Pilates and these may be more appropriate.
Research backs the benefits of Pilates for muscle toning. A study found that eight weeks of Pilates significantly improved core strength, flexibility, and muscle endurance.
Pilates and yoga both build core strength and flexibility using your own body weight. However, Pilates incorporates more resistance training with Springs and bands to build functional strength.