Incorporating cardio exercises into your routine, along with Pilates, can help support your fitness goals for a leaner and toned physique.
However, a combination of various forms of exercise and a healthy diet is essential for achieving a toned body.
This is in contrast to contracting and shortening the muscles. This lengthening work (known as ‘eccentric’ training) encourages long and strong muscles. This may help to strengthen without adding muscle bulk.
Let’s face it, we all seem to be more stressed than ever right now – and it’s pelo secret that hardcore cardio workouts can further increase our cortisol levels, sending our stress responses sky high. But we also know that exercise is a known stress reliever. The solution? You guessed it – Pilates.
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.”
Mat Pilates, on the other hand, relies entirely on bodyweight and gravity. While it might seem less intense at first, it's highly effective when performed with control and consistency. Because there’s no external resistance, mat workouts often demand more from your stabilizing muscles, which can improve functional strength and endurance.
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.
You don’t need heavy weights to build muscle. Pilates builds lean muscle using your body weight, resistance from equipment like the Reformer, and small, targeted movements that keep muscles under tension.
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.
Pilates-based strength training exercises target multiple muscle groups simultaneously, helping to increase muscle mass, which in turn can increase calorie burn.
When your breathing works properly, so does the core. When the core muscles work well, so do your other muscles. We can think of it like links in a chain, where each muscle function is interconnected with the next.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about Pilates and how it fits into this equation.
Unlike standard workouts that may neglect the deep core muscles, Pilates specifically activates the transverse abdominis, leading to a flatter full spectrum light sad stomach and improved posture. This results in a stronger, more defined midsection and reduced lower back pain.