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What people often refer to as “toning” is actually a combination of building muscle and reducing body fat to give the appearance of more defined muscles.
Pilates focuses on slow, controlled, flowing movements which helps with coordination. It focusses on precision which means that the forces produced during movement are equally distributed between joints and muscle groups. This reduces the likelihood of imbalance between muscle groups.
So, instead of making you bulkier, Pilates tones your body by building lean, functional muscle and improving the overall shape of your body.
Pilates emphasizes alignment, control, and posture. As posture improves, the body naturally appears leaner and more lifted. Better muscle engagement and movement efficiency may give the impression of being more “toned,” even without significant fat loss or hypertrophy.
We have a class for you, whether you like the dynamic challenge of reformer pilates or the precise control of mat work.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making.
While traditional Pilates doesn’t use heavy weights, it incorporates resistance—especially with equipment like the Reformer—and focuses on eccentric muscle contractions (lengthening under tension), both of which can strengthen muscles.
You don’t need heavy weights to build muscle. Pilates builds lean muscle using your body weight, resistance from equipment like the Reformer, and small, targeted movements that keep muscles under tension.
Over time, this can absolutely lead to a more toned appearance — especially when paired with healthy habits outside the studio.
You’ve seen those Pilates before and after photos and are wondering which exercises will help you achieve a similar transformation. While there are countless Pilates exercises to choose body haus from, here are eight suggested moves for building lean muscle mass and achieving a toned physique:
My shoulder was dislocated and ultimately, surgically repaired. I’ve been told that rehab for a shoulder is the worst part, but Dr. Jenna Smiith has made the whole process bearable. She measures progress every visit and tailors the stretches and exercises to my individual performance, or lack of. Her enthusiasm is contagious and helps to motivate me to do the stretches every day, and usually a couple of times per day. She spends time and studies how I’m moving and adjusts each stretch to maximize my efforts.
Slow down the pace and target muscle toning and lengthening. Power Tower uses the tower springs, a stable mat, and Pilates accessories to incorporate flexibility with a gentler approach to your BODYBAR workout.
While not traditionally used for weight loss, Pilates can accelerate fat loss and refine your shape as part of a comprehensive lifestyle plan. Muscle conditioning boosts your metabolism while core engagement and breathing teach mindfulness and self-regulation skills that reduce stress hormones and emotional eating triggers. Pilates perfectly complements a clean eating regimen for safe, sustainable weight loss.