While Pilates isn’t a high-calorie-burning workout on its own, having more lean muscle does help your body burn more energy—even at rest.
Since Pilates builds muscle slowly with a focus on lengthening and stretching the body, it’s become synonymous with a more toned and defined physique.
It promises to strengthen and lengthen your muscles – but is Pilates really effective for toning? Here's EYNTK about the benefits of Pilates.
So, instead of making you bulkier, Pilates tones your body by building lean, functional muscle and improving the overall shape of your body.
If you have a layer of fat covering those muscles, then they won’t be as visible – giving the appearance of being “untoned”.
This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of fitness are addressed, helping you achieve a well-rounded and toned body.
Start by positioning yourself on all fours, with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
This contributes to a firmer, more defined appearance even without significantly increasing muscle bulk.
Pilates is effective for toning muscles and improving overall body strength. While it primarily focuses on building lean muscle mass and enhancing posture, incorporating Pilates into a regular exercise routine can contribute to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and cardiovascular activities.
If you are doing Pilates with equipment, such as the Reformer or Trapeze Table, you may often be working the muscles in a way that they are lengthening under tension.
Pilates emphasizes precision over momentum, which forces muscles to stay engaged longer. This time under tension helps develop muscle endurance and definition. Movements such as leg circles and roll-ups require sustained control, leading to greater muscle activation.
The focus is on increasing resistance over time, making it the best option for increasing overall strength.
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.
The Reformer uses springs to add resistance to exercise, and can be used for a range of strength and postural exercises. For most people, the springs alone won’t be enough to challenge their muscles in a way that builds tone and should be complemented by body haus lifestyle club weights or other resistance training.