Weight loss and lean muscle are the goals of a lot of women, but how do you achieve this without sweating it out and making a fool of yourself at Zumba? According to wellness expert Victoria Everman, Pilates is the way forward. ‘Similar to yoga with its concentration on breathing, the practice of Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in just the past century,’ she details. ‘And although you don’t usually break much of a sweat during a session, Pilates can still help you with your weight loss goals.’
Jillian Hessel, a Los Angeles–based Pilates teacher with 26 years experience, explains, ‘Pilates can help to build and maintain lean muscle mass while you are losing weight, help to realign posture as the body’s centre of gravity changes, promote long elegant posture and graceful flowing movement, and keep you centred and energized — all at the same time.’ Pilates fitness expert Ana Cabán adds, ‘I find that many people are successful losing weight with Pilates because they become much more aware of their bodies and in turn treat them better and make better food choices.’ In fact, there are many ways in which Pilates can help you lose weight. Here are just the best ones:
1. More Muscles, More Calories Burned: Alycea Ungaro, owner of Real Pilates NYC, notes, ‘Simply stated, Pilates is strength training. We work with resistance to increase strength and hence, muscle mass. Using springs and different apparatus to increase the load to the muscles, we can affect a metabolic increase by building lean muscle mass. I enjoy adding bands, body rings and light weights to my Pilates routine because it provides variety and challenges muscles in a different way.’
2. Better Posture: ‘One of the best ways to look and feel thinner is to have good posture,’ says Everman. ‘Pilates helps create better posture by firming not only your abs, but your back too… Not only will toned spinal muscles help you continue to lose weight via increased metabolism, standing up straight will automatically make you look thinner, thereby increasing your confidence as well.’ Ungaro adds, ‘All Pilates work is performed with proper alignment and attention to posture. By establishing optimal spinal alignment, you can facilitate better circulation, improved lymphatic flow and increased stamina of the muscles along the spine.’
3. Crafting Your Core: ‘Pilates is all about core strength,’ notes Everman. ‘The benefits of core strength go way beyond flat abdominals, but it is the flat ab results of doing Pilates that help make it as popular as it is. Your core is made up of not only your front and side abdominals, but your entire back as well.’ Ungaro enthuses, ‘Pilates teaches people how to use their abdominals correctly—how to contract the abdominal wall rather than let it distend. This simple mechanism can be used 24/7 in your daily life. That is the single reason that Pilates flattens abs so quickly.’
4. Kitchen Inspiration: Ungaro points out, ‘The benefits spill over into other aspects of your life. You will immediately stand taller, hold your waist tighter and feel stronger. This increased body awareness will make you less likely to indulge in unhealthy habits. Indulge—like that third or fourth cookie you had at last weekend’s barbeque? Use your newfound confidence to “tone” up your kitchen. Your local farmers’ market is full of healthy, edible inspiration that will make you think twice about the word “diet.” Seeing the incredible feats your body is capable of is incredibly motivating. You will have a new respect for your body and are more likely to take better care of it.’