Many people wonder if Pilates is as effective as lifting weights for toning. The truth is, both workouts have their own advantages, but they work in different ways.
Through focused exercises like leg lifts, planks, or movements on the Reformer, these muscles are activated and trained to support you in everyday movement.
An important fact to acknowledge is that you can’t lose fat from selected body parts. If you lose body fat, you will lose it all over.
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.
In addition to consistent Pilates practice, you also need to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate cardiovascular activities for overall body fat reduction.
The term “toning” as applied to exercise was likely introduced to the fitness world as a marketing term. Its purpose? To encourage women to do strength training during decades when the concept of gaining muscle bulk was considered unfeminine and therefore off putting to women.
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.
It’s a real plus that she comes to our home or my office which saves lots of time and allows me to focus on doing the stretches and exercises the right way because I have supervision. Her weekly plans are clear, concise, and well thought out, which I think, is why my progress has been so remarkable. I’m three months post family fitness of norton shores op and my flexibility is mostly returned and I have very little residual pain. I’m looking forward to continuing to do all of the things that I’ve done my whole life. I would encourage anyone to give Vitality at Home a try for your long term health!
Tech neck, anyone? Yep – us too. Hours spent working on laptops and then evenings spent scrolling mindlessly on social media are wreaking havoc on our neck and back health, leading to postural issues such as neck humps and lower back pain.
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.
Both methods work, but if you’re looking for faster toning results, the Reformer provides Em excesso resistance for deeper muscle engagement.
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.
Place your bottom elbow directly under your shoulder, with your forearm resting on the mat for support.