Pilates good for changing shape?

emmacummin

Hi there, I have just started doing pilates (about a month or so) and I *think* it's started to make a difference to by body shape - flatter stomach, leaner legs etc. but I'm not sure if I'm just seeing a difference because I want to! Has anyone been doing pilates for a bit longer and can confirm that it makes a difference? I never feel like I'm working all that hard because it barely breaks a sweat :-S xx

redxmasqueen

Pilates and the Lotte Berk workouts are amazing for changing body shape!!!! I swear by them!

Kalee34

I LOVE doing pilates. And YES it does make a difference! I played volleyball and basketball in highschool, so I was in pretty good shape. However, I found out after doing pilates for 4 months at the end of last year and beginning of this year that I was in better shape after doing pilates than I ever was in high school. I lost a ton of inches doing pilates!

Shweedog

I would bet that if you are seeing a difference that you actually are! Most posts I read in regards to seeing a change are quite the opposite. Usually there's a 20-30 weight loss but no results seen. Good for you!

erinhale

Here is my thing with Pilates. I teahc pilates, but I am not a huge fan of it. If your already in great shape, like very close to having the body you want, then pilates can help you tone and define up. If you are trying to burn calories and your goal is loss fat, then no, pilates isn;'t for you. It MAY help take some inches, but is not a "fat burning" workout, its a muscle building workout.
The best way to tell is measure. Pilates is great for the last 5-10 pounds.

agdeierl

I supplement my bootcamp and zumba classes with a weekly pump class that uses free weights but primarily pilates exercises. After going for about 8 weeks, I've gone down about 2 pant sizes! I think our body shapes are fixed, but as far as toning and losing inches, I say it's entirely possible! Worked for me!

jipper44

Maybe take measurements beyond the standard neck, waist, hips...try your bicep circumference, the largest part of your thighs, calves, etc. Then you'll know for sure as you go forward!

nikki_zav

From friends who have done a lot, it is designed to build that long, lean muscle look. So you're observations are probably correct. Keep it up!!

emmacummin

Aw great, thanks everyone! I'm not too far off the weight I'd like to be, so fancied more concentrating on toning up and things. I really enjoy pilates, so I guess that's reason enough to stick with it! Thanks again, you're all really encouraging :-) xx

phenomeva

Thanks for asking this. I was wondering the same thing. I've never done pilates before but I'll try anything that won't bulk my thighs

danibee41989

Pilates is great for toning! Especially with the bands!

LeanaJo

I love Pilates too.

It's supposed to give you that long, lean muscle look (make your legs, arms, and abs slimmer).

But how many days a week should I do them? I have been doing it like 3 times a week. Should I bump it more or less? LOL!

ddwin

I had done pilates for 2 months (quite a while back), once a week for an hour with a trainer and lost 2" in my waist! The instructor used the ball, the band, the mat, the roller... I haven't had as much success doing that stuff at home on my own as I did with an instructor who really knew what she was doing. But every little workout helps!

sewsinthesouth

I don't normally teach Pilates, but I subbed for someone today and taught class for the first time in about 4 years. I felt like some of the students would have been better teachers than me! They were in awesome shape! After the class, I didn't feel like I had done anything, so I went for a 30 minute run in the small amount of time I had left.
I am totally a cardio junkie and don't feel like I am working out in Pilates.