While Pilates may not rapidly increase muscle mass, it often leads to a more toned appearance due to several factors. Regular practice improves neuromuscular control, enhances posture, and incorporates resistance—especially with equipment like the Reformer or Trapeze Table.
Here, we explore what toning actually means, what factors affect how toned we look and how Pilates can assist in reaching your goal of looking leaner.
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.
After graduating from The Citadel, I began working with middle and high school football teams to develop functional strength and conditioning programs. Soon after, I began coaching amateur and professional MMA athletes.
The result is strength without bulk. Muscles become more firm and defined, especially when combined with consistent training and healthy habits outside the studio.
Working out with a friend can be very inspiring and motivational, and at BodyMind Pilates we understand that connection by offering Duet Sessions. Just like Private Sessions, these classes provide access to all the equipment as well as personal training, support, and encouragement from one of our certified Pilates instructors.
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.
This allowed me to experience various styles of high-level conditioning. Working with fighters I was able to experiment with and develop real-world functional conditioning programs and hybrid-style strength movements using body weight, gyms in muskegon michigan kettlebell, and other functional implements.
Don’t be put off by it’s cool aesthetic. One of the things we love most about Pilates is that, while it is super on trend, right now, there’s a practice for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in becoming an instructor, studio manager, fitness manager, sales associate at one of our locations, or joining our franchising team, we’d love to hear from you
So, again, there aren’t any if you look at this medically! Muscle definition occurs as a result of increasing the amount of muscle mass relative to the amount of body fat you have.
Whilst Pilates theoretically is not the quickest route to increasing muscle mass, anecdotally many people do feel that they look more ‘toned’ when they do Pilates. There are a few reasons why this may be.
Exhale and circle your arms around to grasp your shins again, drawing your knees back into your chest.