The short answer is a big yes. Pilates is a very effective way to tone your body, but it does so in a unique and powerful way that goes far beyond just building muscle.
Another way that Pilates may help you to have the appearance of becoming more toned is by improving the way that you carry yourself. As you become more aware of your body you may naturally alter your posture to look longer and leaner.
Our classes welcome men and women aged 18-55 hoping to regain or improve their active lifestyles. We cater to everyone from high school and college athletes to weekend warriors and adults trying to exercise for the first time. Pilates is low-impact and customizable for your individual needs, making it possible to see results regardless of your age, injuries, or current abilities.
Without reducing overall body fat, it’s difficult to achieve a truly toned appearance, even with strong muscles.
If you have a layer of fat covering those muscles, then they won’t be as visible – giving the appearance of being “untoned”.
Exercises like the plank and teaser force muscles to contract without movement, which builds strength and definition.
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.
We have a variety of group classes; each based on specific pieces equipment. These classes are kept small, so that all clients receive personal, effective instruction. You can learn more about each class by selecting a package club poses and then clicking on the name of the class in the list.
This is where a healthy diet comes into play. By consuming the right amount of calories and nutrients, you can support your body in reducing overall body fat and revealing the toned muscles that Pilates helps to build (2).
It’s a common misconception that you can “tone” muscles. Muscles by nature are lean mass – they can only grow or shrink in size.
Whether you're recovering from diastasis recti or leveling up your fitness, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
My shoulder was dislocated and ultimately, surgically repaired. I’ve been told that rehab for a shoulder is the worst part, but Dr. Jenna Smiith has made the whole process bearable. She measures progress every visit and tailors the stretches and exercises to my individual performance, or lack of. Her enthusiasm is contagious and helps to motivate me to do the stretches every day, and usually a couple of times per day. She spends time and studies how I’m moving and adjusts each stretch to maximize my efforts.
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.