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.
Pilates experts often refer to the core as our internal powerhouse and core strength is a vital component of an effective practice.
Pilates focuses on slow, controlled, flowing movements which helps with coordination. It focusses on precision which means that the forces produced during movement are equally distributed between joints and muscle groups. This reduces the likelihood of imbalance between muscle groups.
So, rather than toning muscles directly, it’s about a holistic approach to building muscle and reducing body fat for a leaner appearance.
Many people think toning is just about losing fat, but it’s really about muscle definition, endurance, and strength without significant bulk. Pilates achieves this by:
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.
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.
While traditional Pilates doesn’t use heavy weights, it incorporates resistance—especially with equipment like the Reformer—and focuses on eccentric muscle contractions (lengthening under tension), both of which can strengthen muscles.
Limited variety of exercises compared to the gym which reduces the ability to progressively overload the exercise. Progressive overload is one of the critical components of gaining muscle mass.
In the world of medicine, physiology and sports science there is actually no such term as ‘toned’ or ‘toning’. There is the concept of a muscle having a resting ‘tone’ but this has nothing to do with how you look or how strong you are.
Combined with a balanced lifestyle, Pilates is a smart, sustainable way to reshape how your body looks and feels.
Integrate the Exo Chair with the Reformer for an advanced-level workout to build strength and balance in a new, dynamic way.
“Pilates might be low impact but it’s high in efficiency,” says Folkard. “Every class will work the body in its entirety, improving both haus of wellness global strength and recruiting
Exhale and circle your arms around to grasp your shins again, drawing your knees back into your chest.