Incorporating cardio exercises into your routine, along with Pilates, can help support your fitness goals for a leaner and toned physique.
What people often refer to as “toning” is actually a combination of building muscle and reducing body fat to give the appearance of more defined muscles.
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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:
If we think of being ‘toned’ as meaning that someone has good muscle definition then we want to know how to get muscle definition.
Whilst Pilates isn’t generally considered strength training, we do use resistance, particularly when using Pilates equipment. When you contract your muscles against resistance, your muscles communicate with your brain and vice versa.
Kick up the fun and jump with us! This Reformer workout takes flight with the Jumpboard, actively building strength, cardio fitness, and power. We take jumping from vertical to horizontal, effectively reducing the impact while enjoying all the benefits.
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.
If you are doing Pilates with equipment, such as the Reformer or Trapeze Table, you may often be working the muscles in a way that they are lengthening under tension.
You’ve seen those Pilates before and after photos and are wondering which exercises will help you achieve a similar transformation. While there what is pilates for are countless Pilates exercises to choose from, here are eight suggested moves for building lean muscle mass and achieving a toned physique:
While studying and developing functional strength methodologies, I was introduced to The Pilates Method. This was a truly eye-opening experience. After a couple of months of working with a classical Pilates teacher, I was amazed at how my body felt, looked, and responded to all other activities.
Single-Leg Bridge: Targets the glutes and hamstrings. This move also activates the lower back muscles and improves spinal alignment, contributing to better posture and lower body strength.
Unlike standard workouts that may neglect the deep core muscles, Pilates specifically activates the transverse abdominis, leading to a flatter stomach and improved posture. This results in a stronger, more defined midsection and reduced lower back pain.