If you practice yoga, you’re probably familiar with Pilates, or the low-impact exercises that comprise controlled movements to enhance one’s balance, core strength, mobility, flexibility, and oftentimes, even their moods. These exercises focus on smaller (and deeper muscles) that ultimately support your structure and enhance your health, overall.
While Pilates can be a great way to improve flexibility, they might not be the best way to get active if your goal is to lose weight. Of course, you can still enjoy and practice Pilates (which have a plethora of health and self-care benefits), but just keep in mind that other exercises might help you reach your weight loss goals faster. We found insight from experts on the topic of Pilates and weight loss, and the reasons why the exercise is good for you, but not specifically linked to weight loss as much as others might be.
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So, What Do Pilates Mean for Weight Loss?
As Jessica Migala wrote for Women's Health, Pilates "can definitely help you burn calories" (and ultimately lose weight)—but its benefits "go way past dropping pounds" (think: better posture, improved breathing, more flexibility), and she wrote that she thinks "it should be part of your regular workout schedule."
With that said, its benefits aren't directly linked to weight loss if that's your main goal. The Pilates Migala refers to in her piece are Romana’s Pilates, which feature exercises that Joseph Pilates (the founder) developed. In the article, Migala speaks with Gabbi Berkow, RD, CPT, a nutritionist and Pilates instructor who said that Pilates aren't a superior exercise to drop pounds. "For weight loss, I don’t think one type of Pilates is necessarily best,” said Berkow.
Jacquelyn Brennan, CSCS, Pilates instructor and co-founder of Chicago-based Pilates + Coffee explained that while pilates might not get your blood pumping (and target your stomach area) like a HIIT or cardio class can, it still does have one notable benefit related to weight loss (and this is something you can add to other exercises that are best suited for losing weight).
“Shallow breathing leads to increased cortisol levels, which contributes to weight gain. One could say that through Pilates and learning to breathe better, you’d have lower cortisol—and thus, stress—levels, something that can help you lose weight,” Brennan added. This means that Pilates alone won't be the main way you can lose weight, but rather, are effective when and if you practice other more intense exercises that leave you dripping in sweat as opposed to specifically targeting flexibility.
As Berkow then said and Migala wrote, "Feeling better, both mentally and physically, will also encourage you to take care of your body—and Pilates can definitely be a key part of an overall weight-loss goal." It should not be the only exercise you practice for weight loss, and if you need some inspiration for more weight-loss-targeted exercises, look no further.We have you covered. (Hint: they're all about strength-training and HIIT!)
