If you need to shed a few pounds, you may want to consider using Pilates for weight loss. Before we get started, let me just say that although Pilates gives you a great workout, it’s not magic. With Pilates you burn calories and create lean muscle and both of these things help promote weight loss. However, other forms of weight bearing workouts (like hitting the weight room) can also do those things.
However, Pilates is an excellent addition to your weight loss routine. Here’s why you should consider using Pilates for weight loss:
- Pilates workouts are portable – you don’t need an expensive gym membership or pricey equipment.
- Create lean muscle and build a healthy core in the most efficient way possible.
- Burn calories and build your metabolism by performing the exercises on a weekly basis.
Just remember that Pilates isn’t a magic ingredient for weight loss. However, you WILL lose weight and inches if you pair Pilates with cardiovascular activity and healthy eating. Here’s the lowdown on what kinds of workouts you should do and when:
- Cardiovascular training – 3-6 times a week. You can choose any activity you like – running, walking, fitness classes, elliptical, etc. Shoot for a minimum of 30 minutes per session. I hike, walk, run, and ride the stationary bike as my main forms of activity.
- Pilates - 3-7 times a week. I find that Pilates is gentle enough to do every day but if you’re just getting started, don’t overdo it. Just do it three times a week. Start with a simple routine and gradually move on to the more challenging exercises. You can learn from DVD’s, take a class, etc.
For healthy eating, I recommend “clean eating”. Just focus on healthy, whole foods and getting the right amount of calories for your goals. Tosca Reno is my favorite Clean Eating proponant. Her story is inspiring and her book, The Eat-Clean Diet
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Tags: Pilates, Pilates Method, Pilates Weight Loss, Weight loss