Many people wonder if Pilates is as effective as lifting weights for toning. The truth is, both workouts have their own advantages, but they work in different ways.
The movements are smaller and more precise than yoga flows. There is also greater emphasis on core control and stability during Pilates exercises. Finally, instructors play a bigger hands-on role in manually cueing proper form and alignment.
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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.
Pilates can help improve your posture, which may indirectly change the appearance of your body. It also helps build lean muscle and burn fat, leading to a more toned physique.
You might notice muscles you didn’t know existed becoming more visible, which can build confidence and motivation to continue your practice.”
Working out with a friend can be very inspiring and motivational, and at BodyMind Pilates we understand that connection by offering Duet Sessions. Just like Private Sessions, these classes provide access to all the equipment as well as personal training, support, and encouragement from one of our certified Pilates instructors.
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.
That started a process that would change my ideology and method of training the human body forever.
I remember the day one of my clients walked into my office, frustrated. “I’ve been running and dieting for months,” she said, “but does pilates tone your body my body still looks the same. I just want to look toned—will Pilates help?”
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.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about Pilates and how it fits into this equation.
Place your bottom elbow directly under your shoulder, with your forearm resting on the mat for support.