For the uninitiated, Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout focussing on slow, controlled movements aligned with breathwork, with a central tenet of core stability. Developed in the early 20th century by German boxer Joseph Pilates, it originally evolved as a form of rehabilitation for injured soldiers, before becoming popular with New York’s elite dancers and celebrities, spawning a worldwide movement that’s still going from strength to strength over 100 years later.
It is recommended to incorporate other forms of exercise such as cardio and strength training for a well-rounded fitness routine (6).
Our classes welcome men and women aged 18-55 hoping to regain or improve their active lifestyles. We cater to everyone from high school and college athletes to weekend warriors and adults trying to exercise for the first time. Pilates is low-impact and customizable for your individual needs, making it possible to see results regardless of your age, injuries, or current abilities.
So, instead of making you bulkier, Pilates tones your body by building lean, functional muscle and improving the overall shape of your body.
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:
You might notice muscles you didn’t know existed becoming more visible, which can build confidence and motivation to continue your practice.”
In choosing exercise, activities that increase your heart rate and get you out of breath are more effective at helping weight loss.
Muscle definition results from two things – both having an increase in lean muscle tissue and having low body fat, so that pilates near ne you can see the contours of the muscles.
In order to improve muscle definition, it would seem the best route to muscle definition is through strength training and through fat loss, which would require dietary changes as well as cardiovascular exercise.
Athletes love using our Springboard and Reformer equipment to safely increase flexibility. Our Tower Circles open up the shoulders and thoracic spine, combatting poor posture and freeing up your breath. Regain your range of motion with Pilates!
You’ve seen those Pilates before and after photos and are wondering which exercises will help you achieve a similar transformation. While there are countless Pilates exercises to choose from, here are eight suggested moves for building lean muscle mass and achieving a toned physique:
Nutrition: Your diet plays a big role in muscle definition. Eating enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs supports muscle repair and fat loss, revealing toned muscles faster.
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.
Have you ever thought, "What is Pilates, and can it really help me get the toned body I want?" You are not the only one! A lot of people want to know how this popular workout method can change their lives.