Whilst Pilates isn’t so good at building muscle bulk or power, what it is great at is utilising your postural muscles. These are deep muscles that tend to be closer to the skeleton that hold us up against gravity and provide stability around the joints whilst we are moving.
The biggest change I have noticed is how much flatter my stomach is, my core is changing by the day!…. The kicker - I’ve only been using app for 1 week!
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.
Pilates can support your quest to eat healthy, as it has a mindfulness component that can help you make more conscious choices about the food you eat.
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.
We have a class for you, whether you like the dynamic challenge of reformer pilates or the precise control of mat work.
Start to spin the tailbone up to the sky and peel each vertebra off the mat until the hips are lifted in line with the lower ribs. Articulate the spine back down to the mat.
Take note though – not all fat is bad. We need body fat for vital biological processes and to provide a protective layer around our most precious organs. Women naturally have more body fat than men. A healthy percentage of body fat is not less than 14% for women and not less than 10% for men.
Similar to the one-on-one, the instructor is still able to give focused corrections. It can also be a fun way to practice with a friend, and can be scheduled according to your needs.
Inhale deeply and lift your arms towards the ceiling, beginning to peel body energy fitness pilates studio your head and shoulders off the mat.
Both Reformer and mat Pilates can support toning, but they do so in slightly different ways depending on how they're practiced and what your goals are.
The truth is, neither approach is automatically “better” for toning. What matters most is how you’re practicing: the quality of movement, consistency over time, and the level of challenge being applied.
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.
Unlike workouts that isolate just one area or rely on heavy weights, Pilates uses controlled resistance and intentional movement to engage muscles deeply and evenly. The result? Better posture, more definition, and a stronger, more stable body overall.