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Will Pilates Help Me Lose Weight? (August 2017)
“Will Pilates help me lose weight?”
I receive this question on a weekly basis.
And the while the short answer is “yes, Pilates can help you lose weight.” It may happen in unexpected ways. Pilates workouts provide a host of benefits, such as alleviating back pain and improving posture. But if you want to lose weight with Pilates you need an understanding of its effects on the body AND the mind.
Will Pilates help you lose weight?
Here’s what you should know…
Doing Pilates Can Increase Your Metabolism
Pilates helps to build lean muscle, which increases how many calories you burn daily. As a result, your metabolism increases. Pilates may look simple, but the intentional and often tiny movements increase muscle tone and improve functional strength. Pilates helps you to use your deepest muscles, and research has even shown it improves muscle endurance.
You’ll Make Better Choices
If you want to be smarter in the kitchen and make better choices about the food you eat, then start with conditioning your mind. Pilates is a helpful exercise you can include in your daily routine to help you connect your mind and body. Once you manage to reach this connection, you can be more intuitive and better equipped when it comes to mealtimes.
Practicing Pilates Can Help Gain Control Over Your Diet
When you’re completely drained after a workout, you’re more prone to overeat. This is a counter-intuitive approach to losing weight. Pilates doesn’t exhaust you like higher-intensity workouts do. Instead, you’ll end your workouts feeling invigorated and energized so that you can stick to your workout routine and maintain a healthy diet instead of overeating after a more strenuous workout.
Pilates Reduces Stress
Stress plays a huge role in weight gain. But the great thing is that stress can be handled, and Pilates workouts are a great way and proven approach to alleviate it. One study revealed that incorporating just two days of Pilates a week can significantly reduce stress. High cortisol levels can help explain why it’s been hard for you to lose weight. That’s because cortisol is a hormone that is known for causing weight gain and a reason why your body may resist losing weight. It rises when you experience stressful situations and also increases your insulin levels. Higher insulin levels can lower your blood sugar level, which prompts you to crave food that is fatty and often sugary. However, reducing stress can lower these levels and ultimately help you lose weight.
Pilates Helps To Increase Your Calorie Expenditure
One way to lose weight is to increase your daily calorie expenditure. By incorporating Pilates into your daily routine, you can increase how many calories you burn in a day. This helps you to lose weight as long as you’re consistent over time.
Ready for a Series of Serious (But Fun) Pilates Workouts?
It’s time to get motivated, beauties! When you’re trying to lose weight, you need the structure and support to get you through the process. And I’m here to help. If you’re new to Pilates, then try the Pilates for Beginners video series.
xo,
Robin Long
Robin Long, founder and CEO of Lindywell, certified Pilates instructor, Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, and author of 'Well to the Core,' blends 15 years of expertise with a lifelong commitment to holistic health.
Learn more about Robin Long
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11 thoughts on “Will Pilates Help Me Lose Weight? (August 2017)”
Great article. It really works. My sister lost 10 pounds since the last month. Hope it will also works for you.
Is this ok for over 60 yrs?
Hi Joanne! We have members and participants of all ages! If you have a specific injury, or pain you are concerned about, we recommend speaking with your doctor prior to beginning any fitness routine. But we hope you will love the benefits of Pilates!
In just 7 days, I feel the benefits. I am 60 and always felt , you are never too old to change your lifestyle. I found that while doing your 7 day challenge, I have been making healthier food choices and I feel overall, AMAZING. My journey does not end here thanks to you Robin.
Interesting. I really like how you have given relatable pictures with the descriptions. That makes it more interesting to read and easier to understand. Pilates do help a tons regarding your physical, mental, and internal health. Pilates is absolutely a complete health routine. I go to Lifespan Pilates studio near my place in NYC. They have the most professional trainers and a completely updated studio. I am attaching their link in case anyone is interested. https://lifespanpilates.com/
Can’t wait to start
READY!
hi robin i am really enjoying doing the pilates with you i feel so comfortable and not so stressed .
That’s amazing, Linda!
I had 2 delay my start of ur program because of some traveling I’m still recovering from, but I can’t wait 2 get started.
Such an inspiring article. After pregnancy I had issues loosing my weight. However through Pilates, I was able to get myself back on track. I started lightly and then my instructor increased the rate with time. Its so great when you have the right instructors to guide you through. I go to Lifespan Pilates studio near my home in NYC, they are literally great.
https://lifespanpilates.com/