There are many benefits to Pilates, but is weight loss one of them? It seems the larger marketing side of the Pilates industry would like you to believe that doing this form of exercise is the new “magic pill” for dropping excess weight. However, for many Pilates instructors this well publicized mis-information is very frustrating. They insist it gives their clients a false sense of what the exercise regiment can accomplish. So what’s the real story in regards to weight loss and Pilates?
To start with, let’s make it clear that adding any form of exercise into your daily habits gives your body many benefits. These benefits include increased oxygen intake, muscle toning, and yes, even weight loss. Specifically to Pilates, the benefits include:
- Improved Posture
- Full Body Toning
- Relief from Back Pain and Stiffness
- Better Joint Mobility and Control
- Better Flexibility
- Improved performance in many sports
Losing weight is a funny thing. Yes, we use the scale as a measure of our progress; however, don’t forget to also use other measurements. Do your clothes fit differently, better, than they did before you started Pilates? Do you wake up each morning feeling more energized and less stiffness? Remember, these are measurements of your progress too.
Many would argue that Pilates does not help with weight loss. And, this is correct. If you continue to eat in a way that works against your efforts on the mat, then you will most likely not lost weight. However, what can happen is you notice a wonderful change in your body.
Your waist will trim down as well as your thighs. Your muscles will benefit from the stretching without bulking up like many women worry about. With your new, toned muscles and an inner confidence that you are doing something good for your body, people will notice even if your scale does not.
Those that insist that Pilates is a great way to achieve weight loss are right, too. There are various intensities of the exercise and the more you sweat, the more calories you will burn. When you increase how many calories you burn and eat healthy, nutrition-packed foods in the right proportions throughout the day, the result will be weight loss. Pilates offers the benefit of a non-impact activity and is the perfect way to introduce exercise into your lives.
The best way to achieve weight loss when you start a Pilates program is to talk with your instructor about your goals. Each person has their own reason for starting including the desire to increase flexibility, enhance their sports performance, and lose weight. When your instructor knows what your goals are, they will be able to tailor your program and your overall education about nutrition based on what you want to achieve. This is the best way to get the weight loss you desire when you start your exercise program.
