Pilates zeroes in on your deepest abdominal muscles and the muscles along the spine with focused core conditioning. These evidence-based exercises build internal corset strength that traditional crunches simply cannot replicate.
What people often refer to as “toning” is actually a combination of building muscle and reducing body fat to give the appearance of more defined muscles.
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.
Thankfully, times are changing and strength training is becoming popular for women as people understand the benefits. In addition, not all types of strength training lead to gains in muscle bulk so you can train in a way that suits your goals.
Pilates is often overlooked and dismissed as a stretching routine, yet it’s one of the most effective ways to build long lean muscles.
We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve mind body haus 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.
One of the things that sets Pilates apart is the focus on precision and control. Movements are done slowly and intentionally—not just to make them harder, but to make them more effective.
However, even practicing Pilates once a week can still provide benefits, especially when combined with other forms of exercise.
Pilates is great for improving general body awareness and this is helpful for improving your form and technique when you are doing other types of exercise.
If your goal is to build significant muscle mass and strength, weightlifting is more effective. Resistance training with heavier weights leads to muscle hypertrophy, which increases size and power.
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.
When you move with control, your muscles stay engaged for longer periods of time. This is what helps build endurance and tone. It also means you're using the right muscles for each movement rather than relying on momentum or overcompensating with stronger areas.