I am a functional movement coach utilizing a unique methodology to create strength and conditioning programs for the past 2 decades. I have worked with every demographic from rehabilitation clients to professional athletes.
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.
Pilates focuses on slow, controlled, flowing movements which helps with coordination. It focusses on precision which means that the forces produced during movement are equally distributed between joints and muscle groups. This reduces the likelihood of imbalance between muscle groups.
Many people find the best results come from a mix of both, which is why The Pilates Circuit incorporates both Reformer and bodyweight-based movement into personalized training plans.
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This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of fitness are addressed, helping you achieve a well-rounded and toned body.
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Eccentric movements occur when muscles lengthen under tension, like when lowering your body in a controlled way from a bridge position. Research shows that eccentric training creates more muscle definition and strength gains compared to concentric movements.
In order to lifestyle pilates improve muscle definition, it would seem the best route to muscle definition is through strength training and through fat loss, which would require dietary changes as well as cardiovascular exercise.
I remember the day one of my clients walked into my office, frustrated. “I’ve been running and dieting for months,” she said, “but my body still looks the same. I just want to look toned—will Pilates help?”
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So, again, there aren’t any if you look at this medically! Muscle definition occurs as a result of increasing the amount of muscle mass relative to the amount of body fat you have.
Whilst Pilates theoretically is not the quickest route to increasing muscle mass, anecdotally many people do feel that they look more ‘toned’ when they do Pilates. There are a few reasons why this may be.
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.