With years of experience as a Physical Therapist, Jenna Smith has dedicated their career to helping patients achieve their maximum physical potential and improve their quality of life.
Focusing on bringing yoga to a demographic that wouldn't normally see the benefits of a method of training that incorporates breathing while moving into postures that build strength, balance, flexibility, and mental focus.
Why? A classic Pilates move that's part of most classes, this move is great for improving mobility, and strengthening the back of the body, including the glutes.
Pilates can support your quest to eat healthy, as it has a mindfulness component that can help you make more conscious choices about the food you eat.
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.
So, how does it actually reshape the body? And how long does it take to see results? Let’s dive into the science behind it.
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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.
Limited variety of exercises compared to the gym which reduces the ability to progressively overload the exercise. Progressive overload is one of the critical components of gaining muscle mass.
Reformer for Pilates: The Pilates Reformer is the most famous Pilates machine. It uses springs and pulleys to give you adjustable resistance, which lets you do more exercises and work your muscles harder. This works very well for specific toning.
Pilates can be a valuable tool in this journey towards toned muscles, as it helps build muscle mass and can improve overall body strength.
While studying and developing functional strength methodologies, I was introduced to The Pilates Method. This was a truly eye-opening experience. After a couple of months of working with a classical Pilates teacher, I was amazed at how my body yoga muskegon mi felt, looked, and responded to all other activities.
Pilates is a multi-faceted exercise system focused on core strength, precise movements, proper alignment, and integrative breathing. Classes can be done on a mat or using Pilates equipment to add resistance and variability for more athletic clients. While often associated with dancing and gymnastics, Pilates offers measurable benefits for people from all walks of life.
When you move with control, your muscles stay engaged for longer periods of time. This is what helps build endurance and tone. It also means you're using the right muscles for each movement rather than relying on momentum or overcompensating with stronger areas.