Can Pilates Really Help Me To Lose Weight?

Can Pilates Really Help Me To Lose Weight?

 
Hello again!

Today, I want to talk about something that many people are skeptical about. can-pilates-help-me-to-lose-weight“Can Pilates really help me to lose weight?” is our top question on the enquiry list!

Are you looking for the easiest and fastest route to lose weight? People nowadays aren’t just aiming to shed the fats – they want toned and lean results at the same time. Although the hard truth is that there is no shortcut to losing weight, there exists a more effective and sustainable way to lower your fat percentage while at the same time achieving the desired body shape you’ve always dreamt of.
Firstly, what exactly is body fat percentage and how can you lower it?
The body fat percentage of a person is the total mass of fat divided by total weight.can-pilates-really-help-me-to-lose-weight
Essential Body Fat + Storage Body Fat = Body Fat
*Essential body fat: Necessary to maintain life and reproductive functions.
*Storage body fat: Fat accumulated in the adipose tissue, part of which protects internal organs in the chest and abdomen.
The ideal body fat percentage is 6%-17% and 14%-24% for men and women respectively for a basic level of fitness. How can Pilates help you to reach your ideal weight while keeping within a healthy fat percentage?
1) The Calorie-Burning Machine
As mentioned in our first article, “Is Pilates difficult to do?”, we only conduct Reformer classes in our studio, where Pilates exercises are performed on a reformer machine. The reformer machine uses resistance from the springs to increase load to the muscles, hence increasing strength and building lean muscle mass. It also boosts your metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories at rest. Props such as toning balls and fitness circles are also used during the class for additional resistance and endurance training. When the amount of calories burnt is higher than your daily calorie intake, you will naturally lose weight!
In addition, being on the reformer machine allows you to have a full head-to-toe workout with zero-impact to your joints, as compared to other high-impact activities such as aerobics, running or lifting weights in the gym. While high-impact activities generally show faster results, it speeds up the process of wear and tear of your joints, weakening it over time. In contrast, reformer Pilates promotes a more sustainable option of an effective and thorough muscle workout while still keeping your joints healthy.
2) Looking Thinner
Pilates helps to create better posture by firming up both your abs and your back. All exercises are directed towards returning your body to its optimal spinal alignment, which facilitates better circulation and increases stamina of the muscles along the spine. Not only will toned spinal muscles help you continue to lose weight via increased metabolism, standing up straight will automatically make you look thinner, thereby increasing your confidence as well. Having toned abs and a strong back also has added benefits, such as helping to prevent injury, improving posture, reduce lower back pain and even promote proper bowel function.
3) Enhance with Cardio
Pilates makes a great complementary exercise. By combining the strength training benefits of Pilates with a consistent cardio workout, you’ll lose weight and tone up nearly twice as fast as just doing either routine on its own. You may consider exercises of low to medium intensity such as walking, cycling and swimming to ensure low-impact to your joints. Alternatively, you can also try our Pilates Cardio Jumpboard, Weight Loss Plus, or Weight Loss Challenge classes, which are of higher intensity and are designed to burn more calories!
4) Kitchen Inspiration
Toned core, strong back, increased metabolism— it’s easy to see how Pilates can make you feel more confident about your body and appearance. These benefits spill over into other aspects of your life; you will immediately stand taller, hold your waist tighter and feel stronger. This increased body awareness will make you less likely to indulge in unhealthy habits too. Besides consistent exercise, diet also places a crucial role in weight loss. Stay away from food with high-sugar/salt content and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you wish to achieve optimum results, be sure to do Pilates 2-3 times a week as a complementary exercise to your current exercise regime. With frequent full-body workouts coupled with a well-balanced diet, Pilates can definitely help you to achieve effective weight loss in a sustainable and safe manner. Give us a call today to book a trial class at $30 only, and experience the benefits of Pilates for yourself! 
xoxo
Pipi

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