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.
Another way that Pilates may help you to have the appearance of becoming more toned is by improving the way that you carry yourself. As you become more aware of your body you may naturally alter your posture to look longer and leaner.
Our classes welcome men and women aged 18-55 hoping to regain or improve their active lifestyles. We cater to everyone from high school and college athletes to weekend warriors and adults trying to exercise for the first time. Pilates is low-impact and customizable for your individual needs, making it possible to see results regardless of your age, injuries, or current abilities.
Firstly, whilst Pilates does not use heavy loads there are many exercises which utilise resistance particularly if working with the large Pilates equipment.
Pilates emphasizes alignment, control, and posture. As posture improves, the body naturally appears leaner and more lifted. Better muscle engagement and movement efficiency may give the impression of being more “toned,” even without significant fat loss or hypertrophy.
In addition to consistent Pilates practice, you also need to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate cardiovascular activities for overall body fat reduction.
Whilst Pilates isn’t generally considered strength training, we do use resistance, particularly when using Pilates equipment. When you contract your muscles against resistance, your muscles communicate with your brain and vice versa.
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.
In order to improve muscle definition, it would seem the best route to muscle definition is through strength training and through fat loss, which would require dietary changes as well as cardiovascular exercise.
Ultimately, finding what works best for your body and lifestyle is key – whether that’s Pilates or lifestyle pilates the gym or a combination of both.
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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.
Look for a Pilates class that suits your fitness level and goals. Beginners should start with introductory classes to learn the basics, while more advanced practitioners might benefit from specialized sessions.
Being more aware of your body lets you use the right muscles during workouts, which makes them more effective and makes sure your body is working well to tone and shape.