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.
Focusing on bringing yoga to a demographic that wouldn't normally see the benefits of a method of training that incorporates breathing while moving into postures that build strength, balance, flexibility, and mental focus.
By targeting various muscle groups through different Pilates exercises, you can help build lean muscle mass throughout your body for a more toned appearance.
Pilates is one of the most effective ways to do this because it targets multiple muscle groups at once while focusing on control, alignment, and consistency.
Pilates is a great way to tone your body, improve your posture, and feel better overall. It's a way to get fit that works and makes you think about what you're doing.
So, how does it actually reshape the body? And how long does it take to see results? Let’s dive into the science behind it.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute pilates near ne for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making.
Pilates simultaneously strengthens and stretches your entire body in a low-impact format. Think resistance training meets yoga, with added emphasis on precision and breathwork.
Tone refers to the amount of tension in a muscle at rest. Resting muscle tone is a spectrum and very high or very low muscle tone could be problematic as in the medical world it could indicate a problem with the brain and nervous system. This is quite different to the concept of tone when we are thinking about exercise and aesthetics.
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 leg circles and roll-ups require sustained control, leading to greater muscle activation.
Any exercise that engages and challenges your muscles can contribute to toning. Strength training exercises, including Pilates, can be beneficial for building lean muscle mass and toning the body.
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.
Unlike workouts that isolate just one area or rely on heavy weights, Pilates uses controlled resistance and intentional movement to engage muscles deeply and evenly. The result? Better posture, more definition, and a stronger, more stable body overall.