The Hundred: Engages the core, arms, and legs for endurance. This exercise requires controlled breathing and sustained abdominal contraction, which helps tone the entire midsection and improves circulation.
With improved posture comes better musculoskeletal health, athletic performance, confidence, and even heightened energy levels. Pilates increases your body awareness, helping you carry yourself with grace while preventing compensations that cause
Amy M. I needed somewhere to start because it's been a while since I've exercised. Always have loved pilates. This program is perfect for me.
Thankfully, times are changing and strength training is becoming popular for women as people understand the benefits. In addition, not all types of strength training lead to gains in muscle bulk so you can train in a way that suits your goals.
And there is plenty about the celeb-favourite workout that lives up to this reputation – but that’s far from all it has to offer.
We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
The term “toning” as applied to exercise was likely introduced to the fitness world as a marketing term. Its purpose? To encourage women to do strength training during decades when the concept of gaining muscle bulk was considered unfeminine and therefore off putting to women.
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.
One of the things that sets Pilates apart is the focus on precision and control. Movements are done slowly and intentionally—not norton shores family fitness just to make them harder, but to make them more effective.
I remember the day one of my clients walked into my office, frustrated. “I’ve been running and dieting for months,” she said, “but my body still looks the same. I just want to look toned—will Pilates help?”
Lengthening and Strengthening: The goal of Pilates is to make muscles longer and stronger at the same time. This helps give people who do it regularly that long, lean, and toned look. It builds muscle endurance and makes your body look balanced instead of just building muscle mass on its own.
However, while using the Reformer, weights can be added to some exercises where appropriate. Reformer Pilates is a great way to improve posture and body alignment, which as we’ve said can contribute to a more toned appearance.
Pilates is renowned for enhancing athletic performance, expediting injury recovery, and helping adults maintain their best selves through middle age and beyond. Here are three targeted benefits our clients experience from consistent Pilates training:
Pilates and yoga both build core strength and flexibility using your own body weight. However, Pilates incorporates more resistance training with Springs and bands to build functional strength.