When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
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.
Amy M. I needed somewhere to start because it's been a while since I've exercised. Always have loved pilates. This program is perfect for me.
Thankfully, times are changing and strength training is becoming popular for women as people understand the benefits. In addition, not all types of strength training lead to gains in muscle bulk so you can train in a way that suits your goals.
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.
In addition to consistent Pilates practice, you also need to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate cardiovascular activities for overall body fat reduction.
The term “toning” as applied to exercise was likely introduced to the fitness world as a marketing term. Its purpose? To encourage women to do strength training during decades when the concept of gaining muscle bulk was considered unfeminine and therefore off putting to women.
Performing Pilates regularly means that you are repeatedly using your muscles and the more that you contract your muscles, the better your brain gets at telling them to move.
Our instructors incorporate targeted stretches and full-range movements 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.
If you are doing Pilates with equipment, such as the Reformer or Trapeze Table, you may often be working the muscles in a way that they are lengthening under tension.
This includes eccentric training, which lengthens and strengthens muscles without adding bulk. Improved body awareness and alignment also contribute to a leaner, more upright look.
Integrate the Exo Chair yoga grand haven mi with the Reformer for an advanced-level workout to build strength and balance in a new, dynamic way.
Single-Leg Bridge: Targets the glutes and hamstrings. This move also activates the lower back muscles and improves spinal alignment, contributing to better posture and lower body strength.
Exhale and circle your arms around to grasp your shins again, drawing your knees back into your chest.