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.
Try our free 10-minute Ab Workout and learn the foundations of deep core training. Perfect for all levels, this quick workout will get you started on your journey to a stronger, more toned core.
Without reducing overall body fat, it’s difficult to achieve a truly toned appearance, even with strong muscles.
After graduating from The Citadel, I began working with middle and high school football teams to develop functional strength and conditioning programs. Soon after, I began coaching amateur and professional MMA athletes.
This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of fitness are addressed, helping you achieve a well-rounded and toned body.
One of the biggest advantages of Pilates is that it strengthens muscles without putting stress on the joints, making it a fantastic option for all fitness levels.
While traditional Pilates doesn’t use heavy weights, it incorporates resistance—especially with equipment like the Reformer—and focuses on eccentric muscle contractions (lengthening under tension), both of which can strengthen muscles.
Not only are most moves cued from the centre, but there are many flexion exercises, meaning that strengthening the abdominals is part and parcel of a regular practice.”
Strengthening exercise to increase the amount of muscle you have is also valuable, since muscle tissue uses more energy than fat.
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.
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.
At Vitality At Home in Grand Rapids, our Pilates program welcomes adults hoping to regain or improve their active lifestyle after injury or hiatus. We offer personalized attention from certified instructors in a supportive, upscale environment conducive to holistic healing.
This is really what is pilates for important for efficient movement and also to help us stand up taller which can help you look slimmer..