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.
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Leg Circles: Tones the inner thighs, glutes, and hip flexors. By maintaining a strong core and keeping movements controlled, this exercise helps sculpt the lower body while improving hip mobility.
But make sure to not overdo it. Just because you have a “problem” area you want to target, does not mean you should be spending your workouts only focussing on that area.
“A Pilates practice requires so much focus that it can completely take you away from the stresses and strains of daily life,” advises Folkard, “which gives it a
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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.
Strengthening exercise to increase the amount of muscle you have is also valuable, since muscle tissue uses more energy than fat.
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:
This is known as neuromuscular adaptation. Firing up your muscles in this way is likely to make you feel different and you may experience this as a feeling of being stronger.
Look for a Pilates class that suits your fitness level and goals. Beginners should start with introductory classes to learn the basics, while more advanced practitioners might benefit from specialized sessions.
When you move with control, your muscles stay engaged for longer periods of time. This is what helps build endurance and tone. It also means you're using the right muscles for each movement rather than relying on momentum or overcompensating with stronger areas.