And it’s true that, for the most part, you’re not going to leave a Pilates class drenched in sweat – but that’s not to say you won’t feel the burn.
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.
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.
So, instead of making you bulkier, Pilates tones your body by building lean, functional muscle and improving the overall shape of your body.
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.
In choosing exercise, activities that increase your heart rate and get you out of breath are more effective at helping weight loss.
The Reformer also allows for more movement variety, which can help target muscles from multiple angles — a useful factor when you're aiming to sculpt specific areas.
Not only are most pilates and toning moves cued from the centre, but there are many flexion exercises, meaning that strengthening the abdominals is part and parcel of a regular practice.”
It’s a common misconception that you can “tone” muscles. Muscles by nature are lean mass – they can only grow or shrink in size.
This includes eccentric training, which lengthens and strengthens muscles without adding bulk. Improved body awareness and alignment also contribute to a leaner, more upright look.
However, you should not rely on this method of exercise if you are keen to lose weight. There are some classes that combine cardiovascular exercise and Pilates and these may be more appropriate.
Pilates is for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner, recovering from an injury, or looking for a low-impact alternative to traditional workouts, Pilates can be modified to fit any fitness level.
Being aware of and in control of your body: Pilates focuses on the mind-body connection, which helps you learn how to move more precisely and with more control.