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.
Exhale as you continue to roll up, reaching forward towards your toes while keeping your legs straight.
Try our free 10-minute Ab Workout and learn the foundations of deep core training. Perfect for all levels, this quick workout will get you started on your journey to a stronger, more toned core.
Without reducing overall body fat, it’s difficult to achieve a truly toned appearance, even with strong muscles.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
You might notice muscles you didn’t know existed becoming more visible, which can build confidence and motivation to continue your practice.”
Even though we have a close-knit community, we are not a social hour. Our programs are built to push you. GRIT is perfect for men and naturally bigger bodies, as our reformers are built to handle them. We bring weight lifting and athletic training practices to the reformer.
While traditional Pilates doesn’t use heavy weights, it incorporates resistance—especially with equipment like the Reformer—and focuses on eccentric muscle contractions (lengthening under tension), both of which can strengthen muscles.
You don’t need heavy weights to build muscle. Pilates builds lean muscle using your body weight, resistance from equipment like the Reformer, and small, targeted movements that keep muscles under tension.
Over time, this can absolutely lead to a more toned appearance — especially when paired with healthy habits outside the studio.
Lean and toned up body isn’t just a far-fetched fantasy. Check out the BetterMe app body haus spring lake and watch it propel your weight loss journey into high gear!
Pilates can be a great option for building strength and targeting specific muscle groups, while the gym offers a wider variety of equipment and exercises for an all-around workout.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about Pilates and how it fits into this equation.
Unlike standard workouts that may neglect the deep core muscles, Pilates specifically activates the transverse abdominis, leading to a flatter stomach and improved posture. This results in a stronger, more defined midsection and reduced lower back pain.