With years of experience as a Physical Therapist, Jenna Smith has dedicated their career to helping patients achieve their maximum physical potential and improve their quality of life.
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.
For example, it is common for people to stand in a resting position with their lower back arched, which means that their stomach protrudes. Standing in a way that reduces the arch of the lower back prevents the stomach from sticking out.
So, instead of making you bulkier, Pilates tones your body by building lean, functional muscle and improving the overall shape of your body.
Many people think toning is just about losing fat, but it’s really about muscle definition, endurance, and strength without significant bulk. Pilates achieves this by:
“A Pilates practice requires so much focus that it can completely take you away from the stresses and strains of daily life,” advises Folkard, “which gives it a
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.
Take note though – not all fat is bad. We need body fat for vital biological processes and to provide a protective layer around our most precious organs. Women naturally have more body fat than men. A healthy percentage of body fat is not less than 14% for women and not less than 10% for men.
Limited variety of exercises compared to the gym which reduces the ability to progressively overload the exercise. Progressive overload is one of the critical components of gaining muscle mass.
Over time, this can absolutely lead to a more toned appearance — especially when paired with healthy habits outside the studio.
Pilates emphasizes precision over momentum, which forces muscles to stay engaged longer. This time under tension helps develop muscle endurance and definition. Movements such as mindbody haus leg circles and roll-ups require sustained control, leading to greater muscle activation.
Integrate the Exo Chair with the Reformer for an advanced-level workout to build strength and balance in a new, dynamic way.
Research backs the benefits of Pilates for muscle toning. A study found that eight weeks of Pilates significantly improved core strength, flexibility, and muscle endurance.
Tap into that neutral Pilates aesthetic with this butter-soft longline bra from Adanola, which looks as good with joggers for those more relaxed days as it does for working out.