Can pilates tone you up just as well as lifting?

sokkache

I'm not really a big fan of weight lifting unless it's like machine weights. But when I go to the gym it's usually 20 minutes machine weights and then the rest is cardio. But obviously, we're all looking to tone up. I see that most people on here like heavy lifting to tone themselves up.

I saw this channel called blogilates on youtube and she does crazy intense workouts. There's this 1000 workout that I've been doing everyday, It's 100 jump ropes, 100 squats, 100 mountain climbers, 100 crunches, 100 high knees, 100 half cobra push ups, 100 lunges, 100 bridge pulses, 100 tricep dips and 100 hover jacks. I do this in addition to my normal gym workouts to help me tone up. But I don't know if it really can help tone up, so I know some of you are fitness experts.

Will these at-home pilates workouts help get rid of the flab?

livingdeadlifter

First, define 'tone up.' I hear people use this term and I really don't think it's a good term to use because it's kind of meaningless. I'm not trying to insult you at all, please try not to take it that way, I'm just saying I don't really know what you mean by 'tone up.'

You can either put on muscle or lose body fat. Toning up is usually what people mean when they want muscle definition, and that only comes with a) having a certain body fat percentage and b) lifting weights. Building muscle requires a caloric surplus. Shrinking fat cells usually requires a deficit and minimizing processed foods.

I'm sure you could use those workouts to help shrink fat cells as long as you're eating right most of the time (there's always room for a little indulgence). In terms of more muscle mass or 'definition,' that comes with lifting heavier weights.

Will210

Absolutely. Pilates alone will give you great shape provided you do them right and are able to improve to the more advanced levels in time.

FullOfWin

I'm sure it will at least help retain muscle although not grow it substancially or make it way stronger. Also I'd rather do 3 sets of 5 reps on 3 exercises instead of 100 reps on 10 exercises.