For many people, the pursuit of health and wellness includes a weight loss journey. The two key factors that influence weight loss are diet and exercise, and choosing a type of exercise that you enjoy is vital to losing weight successfully and keeping it off in the months and years to come. In recent years, Pilates has gained popularity not only as a great way to gain flexibility and improve posture but as an exercise practice perfectly suited to those trying to lose weight. While Pilates, and even beginner Pilates, is made up of low-impact movements, the cumulative effects can be tremendous.
The Benefits of Beginning a Pilates Practice
Many students are surprised by the wide assortment of benefits that accompany Pilates practice. Pilates places a great emphasis on breathwork, the goal of which is to establish a seamless connection between the body, mind, and spirit. While it’s undeniable that practicing Pilates results in better balance, posture, strength, and endurance, there are perhaps even more benefits that go beyond the body. Those who practice Pilates experience profound benefits in both mind and spirit. Many people experience improved concentration, a boost in confidence, reduced stress, and better moods resulting from taking Pilates classes. Everyone has days that they don’t necessarily feel like working out, and it is on those days that the mental health benefits of Pilates tip the scales for students who are on the fence about attending class.
Pilates for Weight Loss
The physical benefits of Pilates are equally significant as the mental and spiritual ones, which is why many people turn to Pilates when they are ready to start their weight loss journey. Pilates is low-impact, so while you are unlikely to leave a class dripping in sweat, you are still burning plenty of calories and targeting every muscle group in the body. Some studies estimate that on average, a person who weighs 150 pounds can burn up to 175 calories during one beginner Pilates class, and up to 250 calories in a more advanced class. Most importantly, taking a Pilates class is guaranteed to elevate your heart rate while going easy on your joints.
Even though Pilates is made up of repetitive low-impact movements, consistent practice can be very effective in helping students lose weight and keep it off. Studies have demonstrated that a regular Pilates practice promotes weight loss, a lower BMI, and a more toned waist and core. Of course, diet is also incredibly important when you’re trying to lose weight, and thus a Pilates practice without a healthy diet may not produce the same results.
While you are not going to burn nearly as much as other forms of exercise that have a heavy cardiovascular component, Pilates will help you build lean muscle, improve your posture, and help you shed fat. HIIT workouts, for example, may result in more calories burned, but may not be as sustainable or enjoyable for some people as a regular Pilates practice. Finding a fitness regimen that you enjoy and look forward to each day is going to yield far greater results in the long run.
How Often Should You Practice Pilates?
New students may want to consider a slower pace than those who are more experienced or advanced. Two to three Pilates classes per week will allow you to experience all of the benefits of your Pilates practice. As you build strength and confidence, you are certainly welcome to take classes more frequently. Many people like to incorporate Pilates into their daily routine simply because of all of the mental and spiritual benefits that accompany the physical ones.
Another wonderful characteristic of Pilates is that it integrates seamlessly with other types of exercise. Many runners practice Pilates between runs, and even yoga enthusiasts enjoy Pilates classes throughout the week. If your goal is weight loss, consider practicing Pilates in conjunction with cardiovascular exercise and strength training.
Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals With Marathon Pilates
No matter where you are on your health and wellness journey, Marathon Pilates is your go-to destination for improving your mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Our team of experienced instructors leads both group classes and private training for people of all experience levels, and we strive to create an environment that makes our guests feel safe, nurtured, and with a sense of belonging. If you’ve been considering giving Pilates a try to achieve your weight loss goals, the team at Marathon Pilates can’t wait to help you get started.
