While Pilates isn’t a high-calorie-burning workout on its own, having more lean muscle does help your body burn more energy—even at rest.
Our Pilates sessions incorporate mat work and specialized equipment like Reformers, Chairs, and Barrels. The exercises blend strengthening and stretching with a focus on core engagement, proper alignment, coordinated breathing, and smooth transitions between movements. Sessions are fully personalized for your skill level and goals.
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.
Many people find the best results come from a mix of both, which is why The Pilates Circuit incorporates both Reformer and bodyweight-based movement into personalized training plans.
If you’re a fan of high-intensity cardio workouts like HIIT, you might be wondering why you should bother with a slower, more holistic practice.
If we think of being ‘toned’ as meaning that someone has good muscle definition then we want to know how to get muscle definition.
The term “toning” as applied to exercise was likely introduced to the fitness world as a marketing term. Its purpose? To encourage women to do strength training during decades when the concept of gaining muscle bulk was considered unfeminine and therefore off putting to women.
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.
That started a process that would change my ideology and method of training the human body forever.
Not all Pilates exercises are created equal. Some moves are especially powerful for building strength, endurance, and definition. Here are my top picks:
Pilates emphasizes precision over momentum, which forces muscles to stay engaged longer. This time under tension helps develop muscle endurance and definition. Movements such as leg circles and roll-ups require sustained control, leading to greater muscle activation.
Integrate the Exo Chair with the Reformer for an advanced-level workout to build strength and balance in a new, dynamic way.
Pilates is a multi-faceted exercise system focused on core strength, precise movements, proper alignment, and integrative breathing. Classes can be done on a mat or using Pilates equipment to add resistance and variability for more athletic clients. While often associated with dancing and gymnastics, Pilates offers measurable benefits for people from all walks of life.
Place your bottom elbow directly under your shoulder, with your forearm resting yoga in muskegon on the mat for support.