There is often misunderstanding when Pilates and weight loss are heard in the same sentence as many people believe that they only have to undertake a few Pilates sessions and they will see their weight plummet, yet continue with the lifestyle of eating the same things and avoiding exercise that creates the bulk in the first place. Yes, Pilates can play a very important part in weight loss but not exactly in the simple way a lot of people think.
There are an abundance of weight loss programmes available today that incorporate some form of exercise routine and this is where Pilates, though only being one facet of the whole programme, can play a very significant role in attaining the goals that are set.
Through the use of Pilates exercises, the person will gain so much more than just expending lots of energy with the sole goal of losing weight. The exercises will have the positive effect of toning the muscles which shall result in a better shaping of the body form. There is no need to worry about developing large bulging muscles as this will not happen. The specific exercises will strengthen the body’s core muscles which will in turn shape the body, creating a leaner and longer look. That is correct, the person will appear taller and through re-establishing and maintaining correct posture will carry themselves better.
Whilst undertaking Pilates, you will burn calories which, of course, is one of the key goals. The benefit is as the body’s core muscles are strengthened, the person’s energy levels will increase as will their stamina. In effect, the exercises form part of the reconditioning of the body from the out of shape, unfit person to establishing the body form that is the ultimate goal.
Another reason that Pilates should be used in any weight loss programme is to benefit from the process in which by undertaking specific exercises, the belly fat that remains after weight loss can be reduced, if not eliminated. The muscles located within the stomach and abdominal area have the potential to be toned once again which should, in time, rectify the loose spare tyre that can remain after a period of weight loss. By consistently undertaking these specific exercises, those that have succeeded in attaining major weight loss should be able to return to some normal body form.
The caveat to this is as with all exercise programmes directed at weight loss, the successful key is that of consistency. Quite simply, if it is undertaken in a half hearted manner, it will not succeed. Whether Pilates exercises are undertaken in a class environment, which can be expensive, or at home by way of a Pilates dvd which is more cost efficient and convenient to those starting out, the person has to be diligent in not only maintaining the programme, but also understanding how and where Pilates for weight loss fits in to it.
