does it work? really?

Pilates, or any isometric workout are a good way to strengthen and tone. They aren't the greatest calorie burner, but they aren't the worst either. If you include pilates with your cardio routine and some good weight training then they can be very effective at toning, especially for the core, which is vital to having good overall joint and muscle health (think back pain).

I'm sorry to hear that you aren't a fan of sweating, because that's the best way to burn lots of calories. Keeping your heart rate in the 70% range (give or take 3 or 4 percent 1 way or the other) for extended periods is a fantastic calorie burner. Pilates alone probably won't do a heck of a lot for you on the calorie burning front (unless you do them for hours a day, pilates will probably get your heart rate into the low 60s percent wise), but do 1 hour of pilates 3 times a week, and add 1/2 hour to 1 hour of mid-range cardio 3 times a week too and you are well on your way to a tone, fit body.