Will Pilates Help Me Lose Weight?

On its own, Pilates is not great for weight loss.

But, then again, no exercise is great for weight loss.

In order to lose weight, a person needs to be consuming fewer calories than they are expending. And it’s a whole lot easier to take in fewer calories than it is to use up more...

However, if someone is eating a healthy diet and in a calorie deficit, adding Pilates to their routine can be a great way to strengthen the muscles, build lean mass and give the effect of a slimmer body through improved posture.

The increase is muscle tissue also raises the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is a measure of how many calories the body requires at rest. Simply put, the more muscle someone has, the more calories they require just to maintain their current weight or body composition.

The benefits of Pilates go far beyond weight loss, contributing to overall wellbeing, which can, in turn, lead to a healthier lifestyle, ultimately helping on a weight loss journey.

As well as increased strength and muscle, Pilates improves flexibility and increases mobility, both of which may mean you are more able, and willing, to take part in other exercise modalities, adding to overall increased activity levels.

One really under-rated benefit of Pilates is the positive effect on mental health, and reduction in stress that it can offer - and that is good for weight loss.

Pilates is a really great gateway exercise - it can be as gentle or as challenging as desired, and that makes it fabulous for anyone nervous about taking up exercise for the first time.

Long-term effective weight loss is about baby steps, and building positive habits to lead the way to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

And Pilates can be one of those steps...
…will it be your first?