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Another way that Pilates may help you to have the appearance of becoming more toned is by improving the way that you carry yourself. As you become more aware of your body you may naturally alter your posture to look longer and leaner.
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Unlike traditional workouts that mainly target superficial muscles, Pilates works on stabilizing muscles like the transverse abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor muscles.
Anna Bartter is a freelance journalist who writes about health, fitness and women's lifestyle for publications including Stylist, Metro and Psychologies, among others.
During each Pilates session, our credentialed instructors guide you through a flowing sequence of controlled, deliberate movements coupled with deep breathing. The exercises focus on strengthening your core muscles while improving stability, mobility, and flexibility across your entire body.
One of the biggest advantages of Pilates is that it strengthens muscles without putting stress on the joints, making it a fantastic option for all fitness levels.
Muscle definition results from two things – both having an increase in lean muscle tissue and having low body fat, so that you can see the contours of the muscles.
Our instructors incorporate targeted stretches and full-range movements designed to lengthen tight muscles and enhance joint mobility. Proper stretching keeps muscles pliable and joints fluid, reducing stiffness and risk of strains or sprains. Consistent Pilates helps reopen tight hips, improve hamstring and lower back flexibility, and restore mobility for increased agility and ease of motion.
I remember the day one of my clients walked into my office, frustrated. “I’ve been running and dieting for months,” she said, does pilates tone your body “but my body still looks the same. I just want to look toned—will Pilates help?”
Pilates emphasizes precision over momentum, which forces muscles to stay engaged longer. This time under tension helps develop muscle endurance and definition. Movements such as leg circles and roll-ups require sustained control, leading to greater muscle activation.
The truth is, neither approach is automatically “better” for toning. What matters most is how you’re practicing: the quality of movement, consistency over time, and the level of challenge being applied.
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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.