June 21, 2022 -

Pilates is a fabulous form of exercise to keep your body strong and flexible. Many athletes turn to Pilates because the focus on core strength and all-over flexibility will keep them on their game and protect them from injuries. But maybe you’re not an athlete… Practicing Pilates offers more than just an athletic advantage. Everyone can benefit from stronger, more flexible bodies that are less prone to injuries for the physical demands of everyday life. Do you have poor balance? Has aging started hindering your flexibility? Are you just looking to live a healthier lifestyle? Pilates has many health and strength benefits for every lifestyle, every age and fitness level. People ask us all the time if Pilates benefits weight loss. If losing weight, is your primary goal in practicing Pilates, we want to take this opportunity to clear up some popular weight loss myths surrounding Pilates. 

Myth #1: Pilates is Good for Weight Loss

Fact: Pilates is not targeted towards weight loss. 

Let us guess… you’re wondering if Pilates is good for weight loss and you’ve turned to the internet to find answers. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation posted online concerning Pilates and weight loss. We’d like to clear up the confusion about Pilates for weight loss at home or in the studio. Pilates has benefits for weight loss in the sense that it increases mobility, flexibility, and core strength. But don’t be fooled… using Pilates for weight loss is not the main focus of the exercise. So, when the internet says “Pilates is good for weight loss” they should be clarifying instead that Pilates is good exercise for weight loss only indirectly. Running, riding a bike, or weightlifting will burn more calories and benefit losing weight faster than Pilates. Pilates will, however, enhance your performance in other forms of exercise and increase your core strength, flexibility, and much more.  

Myth #2: You’ll Get Rid of Belly Fat by Doing Pilates 

Fact: Pilates strengthens muscles enabling you to burn calories through movement. 

So, will Pilates help me lose weight? Using Pilates exercise for weight loss works by strengthening your muscles enabling you to burn calories through movement during your Pilates routine and beyond. A Pilate’s routine will strengthen your core muscles which contribute to weight loss and getting rid of belly fat. There are other activities that will work quicker than Pilates for belly fat. However, those who participate in Pilates are more inclined to take part in other forms of exercise when they visit a gym or fitness club for a Pilates workout. Pilates instruction will be the best foundation to an active lifestyle which will lead to permanent weight loss as well as helping you get rid of stubborn belly fat.   

Myth #3: Pilates Exercise Only Benefits Women 

Fact: Pilates does not discriminate. Everyone in every lifestyle can benefit from Pilates Exercise.

Along with the misperception that Pilates exercise for weight loss is the best way to burn calories; we also tend to believe Pilates exercises are only for women. Which is simply a bogus myth. The truth is that Joseph Pilates invented the discipline of Pilates as a way to build physical strength without the use of heavy weights or over exertion. Many male athletes have turned to his system to maintain core strength and flexibility.  Famous men such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Hugh Grant, and Tim McGraw all have practiced Pilates (to name a few.) Another example: Many male and female seniors have experienced incredible improvements in their mobility and strength after practicing Pilates. So, all we are really trying to say, is that Pilates benefits your strength, mobility, and flexibility… no matter your gender. 

Myth #4: You’ll Get Abs by Only Doing Pilates

Fact: Pilates strengthens breathing muscles, postural muscles, and the muscles that support your joints. 

Listen we all want abs... but Pilates is not designed to give you a six pack. It DOES target your abdominal muscles and your core as a whole. Pilates allows you to have a comprehensive approach to strengthening all your core muscles.  When your abdominal muscles, back muscles and pelvic muscles are strong and flexible, you can enjoy many other physical activities. 

Myth #5: You Need Specialized Machines for Pilates Exercise 

Fact: You don’t NEED specialized machines for Pilates Exercise. 

Sure, there are specialized machines for a Pilates exercise routine that are great to use; but you don’t NEED them to benefit from Pilates exercise. The beauty of a Pilates workout is that it can all be done on an exercise mat without expensive equipment.  All you really need is a floor mat and motivation.  

The Amazing Benefits of Pilates Explained 

From its inception, Pilates was not designed for weight loss. The rich history of Pilates begins with a circus tumbler from Germany during the late 1800’s named Joseph Pilates. The culture of his day focused on promoting physical education through exercise, mental discipline, and excellent athletic performance. Pilates designed a program of corrective exercise through his own experience and helping others. 

Building a strong foundation of physical development for healthy living and sport activity was at the core of his beliefs. All that to say: Pilates exercise for weight loss was never the main focus from its inception.  

After nearly 50 years since his death, Joseph Pilates’ legacy remains with us today. Joseph Pilates’ would be amazed to know his work is now being taught in countries all over the world and is influencing millions of people.  

Interested in Pursuing a Career in Pilates? Get Certified Online at Pilates Instructor Academy! 

Making the switch to a career path as a Pilates instructor will bring personal fulfillment as you make a difference in the physical and mental health of others. Now you can be 100% certified as a Pilates instructor online at Pilates Instructor Academy! Your Pilates certification can work on your time schedule as well as your career afterward. Pilates Instructor Academy has a proven success record with both online and live Pilate’s teacher certifications, online continuing education, and business support.  Ready to make Pilates your career? Get started today!