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.
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.
By targeting various muscle groups through different Pilates exercises, you can help build lean muscle mass throughout your body for a more toned appearance.
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.
We’re often asked, ‘Does Pilates tone your body?’. If your primary goal is to tone your body, Pilates can certainly be an important part of your exercise and health routine.
We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
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.
If your goal is a lean, defined physique with improved posture and flexibility Pilates is the better choice.
She's always on a quest to find a variety of fun and functional workouts that give you the most bang for your workout buck and she's passionate about championing movement for everyone's mental and physical wellbeing.
Inhale deeply and lift your arms towards the ceiling, beginning to peel your head and shoulders off the mat.
However, Pilates does not promise drastic weight loss or major physical changes. Results will vary depending on individual factors such as genetics
My shoulder was dislocated and ultimately, surgically repaired. I’ve been told that rehab for a shoulder is the worst part, but Dr. Jenna Smiith has made the whole process pilates now lakeshore bearable. She measures progress every visit and tailors the stretches and exercises to my individual performance, or lack of. Her enthusiasm is contagious and helps to motivate me to do the stretches every day, and usually a couple of times per day. She spends time and studies how I’m moving and adjusts each stretch to maximize my efforts.
BodyMind Pilates is one of the studios in Grand Rapids that offers a suspension system with bouyancy. Based on the latest findings in brain science research, Suspension Training is a cutting edge movement system that strengthens, lengthens, and corrects muscle firing patterns. By working with controlled instability, the body senses risk and automatically engages core muscles on a deeper level.
When comparing the Pilates body to the gym body, many factors come into play, including individual goals, skill level, and personal preferences. Some people may find that they enjoy one form of exercise more than the other, making it easier to stick with consistently.