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.
Is your pain making it difficult to concentrate? Are you hoping it will just go away, but it’s still hurting you?
Our classes welcome men and women aged 18-55 hoping to regain or improve their active lifestyles. We cater to everyone from high school and college athletes to weekend warriors and adults trying to exercise for the first time. Pilates is low-impact and customizable for your individual needs, making it possible to see results regardless of your age, injuries, or current abilities.
Let’s face it, we all seem to be more stressed than ever right now – and it’s no 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.
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.
Exercises like the plank and teaser force muscles to contract without movement, which builds strength and 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.
With this in mind, we’ve taken a deep dive into the benefits of Pilates according to top instructors and taken a look at their favourite workouts that (among other wonderful things) can help boost tone.
Similar to the one-on-one, mind body haus 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.
And, because we’d hate to leave you wanting more, why not take a look at our guides to Pilates for beginners and Pilates exercises for beginners, find out about the five simple Pilates moves one MC UK Health Writer and fitness trainer raves about, plus discover the best twenty minute Pilates workouts, for when you're pushed for time.
Pilates is known for building core strength—but what that really means goes beyond just crunches or six-pack muscles. Pilates trains the deeper core muscles that wrap around your midsection like a built-in corset.
However, while using the Reformer, weights can be added to some exercises where appropriate. Reformer Pilates is a great way to improve posture and body alignment, which as we’ve said can contribute to a more toned appearance.
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.
While not traditionally used for weight loss, Pilates can accelerate fat loss and refine your shape as part of a comprehensive lifestyle plan. Muscle conditioning boosts your metabolism while core engagement and breathing teach mindfulness and self-regulation skills that reduce stress hormones and emotional eating triggers. Pilates perfectly complements a clean eating regimen for safe, sustainable weight loss.