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.
It is recommended to incorporate other forms of exercise such as cardio and strength training for a well-rounded fitness routine (seis).
This is in contrast to contracting and shortening the muscles. This lengthening work (known as ‘eccentric’ training) encourages long and strong muscles. This may help to strengthen without adding muscle bulk.
With a stronger, more engaged core, our clients gain improved stability for sports like running, tennis, and golf. Pilates also helps prevent the back pain that often stems from core weakness. Strengthen your foundation with our personalized programs catered to your unique needs.
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.
Adds spring resistance, which challenges muscles even more and leads to faster muscle activation. The adjustable tension levels allow for progressive overload, which accelerates toning and strength gains.
By increasing muscle tone and promoting better body awareness, Pilates can be a valuable component of a comprehensive fitness plan aimed at achieving a toned physique.
Kick up the fun and jump with us! This Reformer workout takes flight with the Jumpboard, actively building strength, can pilates tone your body cardio fitness, and power. We take jumping from vertical to horizontal, effectively reducing the impact while enjoying all the benefits.
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.
Poor posture from sitting, slouching, and repetitive movements plagued most of our clients. Pilates re-patterns your posture by activating key muscle groups while ensuring proper spinal alignment. Our instructors manually cue proper alignment and teach you to be more mindful of your movements.
Pilates is known for building core strength—but what that really means goes beyond just crunches or six-pack muscles. Pilates trains the deeper core muscles that wrap around your midsection like a built-in corset.
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.
One of the great things about Pilates is that it can target a variety of muscle groups, all while using your own body weight as resistance.
When comparing the Pilates body to the gym body, many factors come into play, including individual goals, skill level, and personal preferences. Some people may find that they enjoy one form of exercise more than the other, making it easier to stick with consistently.