Article updated on 8 January 2024
Pilates is a form of physical exercise which has gained popularity in recent decades as an effective method for improving strength, flexibility and posture. But, one of the most frequent and common questions related to this discipline is whether pilates can really help you lose weight. In this article we will say something more about this issue and we will also discover together the numerous benefits that these sports can offer.
Pilates is not primarily a form of cardiovascular training like swimming or shorts, which are sports best known for burning a certain number of calories in a short period of time. However, pilates can play a very significant role in weight loss for several reasons. Let’s see which ones:
Muscle toning: Pilates exercises target a variety of muscles and can help develop lean ones. Because muscle burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, a more toned body can increase your basal metabolic rate, contributing to weight loss.
Increased flexibility: A more flexible body can perform a wider range of movements, this then leads to greater involvement in other physical activities which aid in weight loss.
Posture improvement: Pilates focuses more on posture awareness and body alignment. So, maintaining good posture can help distribute weight evenly across your body and prevent posture-related health problems, such as back pain.
Stress reduction: This discipline incorporates elements of relaxation and breathing, which can help reduce stress. A more balanced mental state can reduce the incidence of emotional overeating, thus contributing to weight management. Pilates exercises – Photo by Alexy Almond/ Pexels.com
Benefits of pilates
In addition to the fact that pilates helps you lose weight, this discipline offers numerous health benefits:
Improve flexibility: Pilates exercises promote greater muscle and joint flexibility.
Strengthens your core muscles: Pilates focuses on the core muscles of the abdomen and lower back, improving their stability.
Improve posture: Attention to posture helps prevent some muscle pain and tension.
Increased Energy: Some people feel more energetic after doing a pilates session.
Reduces stress: Pilates exercises include awareness of breathing, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Improves mental well-being: This sport promotes a mind-body connection, improving overall mental well-being.
The most important exercises
We start from the assumption that apart from aesthetics, the elimination of fat is also a reason for health. This is especially true when it concentrates around the waist and hips and produces free radicals and inflammatory substances.
As he explains Paola Miretta, personal trainer: “One of the most important benefits of pilates is the stimulation of the production of good hormones: your body changes not only because it becomes stronger and slimmer in some points, such as the belly and legs, but because stimulates the production of endorphins, the hormones of happiness, and does not increase the production of free radicals, unlike other sporting practices such as the marathon” explains the expert, who continues “all this is possible because this activity it doesn’t just train the superficial muscles but reaches the deeper oneswhich is why it is also an ideal workout for the pelvic floor.”
Pilates benefits – Photo by Karolina Grabowska/ Pexels,com
In summary, pilates is not the only way to lose weight, but it can be a valuable component of an overall fitness program. This discipline, as we have seen, offers numerous health benefits, including muscle strengthening, flexibility and improvement of posture. The key to successful weight loss is to combine pilates with a balanced diet and cardiovascular exercises. Obviously before starting a new program we recommend consulting a fitness professional or doctor, especially if you are overweight.