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.
Through focused exercises like leg lifts, planks, or movements on the Reformer, these muscles are activated and trained to support you in everyday movement.
Why? A classic Pilates move that's part of most classes, this move is great for improving mobility, and strengthening the back of the body, including the glutes.
Pilates can help build lean muscle mass, but if it’s covered by excess body fat, those defined muscles won’t be as visible.
Pilates is a great way to tone your body, improve your posture, and feel better overall. It's a way to get fit that works and makes you think about what you're doing.
Strength training exercises help build muscle mass, while reducing overall body fat through a combination of a healthy diet and cardio exercises, can make muscles appear more toned.
Mat Pilates, on the other hand, relies entirely on bodyweight and gravity. While it might seem less intense at first, it's highly effective when performed with control and consistency. Because there’s no external resistance, mat workouts often demand more from your stabilizing muscles, which can improve functional strength and endurance.
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.
Our instructors incorporate targeted stretches and full-range movements does pilates tone your body designed to lengthen tight muscles and enhance joint mobility. Proper stretching keeps muscles pliable and joints fluid, reducing stiffness and risk of strains or sprains. Consistent Pilates helps reopen tight hips, improve hamstring and lower back flexibility, and restore mobility for increased agility and ease of motion.
BetterMe app will kick you out of the mental funk, shake off your Em excesso weight, rid you off your energy-zapping habits, and help you sculpt the body of your dreams. Intrigued? Hurry up and change your life for the better!
Pilates can be a valuable tool in this journey towards toned muscles, as it helps build muscle mass and can improve overall body strength.
Integrate the Exo Chair with the Reformer for an advanced-level workout to build strength and balance in a new, dynamic way.
"Extend the arms. Lift the opposite arm and leg whilst the chest lifts a little too. Quicken up the pace when you’re ready."
Unlike workouts that isolate just one area or rely on heavy weights, Pilates uses controlled resistance and intentional movement to engage muscles deeply and evenly. The result? Better posture, more definition, and a stronger, more stable body overall.