Pilates No Good For Weight Loss

Stephanie - are you "zipping up your abs" (drawing them in and up) while you are doing Pilates? Also, are you breathing correctly (inhaling deeply before a move, then exhaling during the move)? Doing all that takes a bit of practice, so hang in there.

The Pilates Circle is meant to bend a bit as you use it. If you're very strong, you'll probably need a gym-quality or heavy-duty circle.

Hope this helps.

I use pilates, and was doing it 4-6 times a week. To keep things interesting and changed up a little bit, I use 4 different Winsor workout videos. I have a 20 minute, a 45 minute, a fat burning and a back & arms video. I have a hard time losing weight because of a medication I have to take that really slows my metabolism.

Pilates has done things for me that nothing else has been able to do, including running! The results really happen fast, and you just feel good. I also have back and knee problems, and doing pilates almost everyday relieves my back and shoulder muslce pain, and helps me sleep so much better. It's also improved my circulation.

Yes, weights and cardio work also, but pilates is great, period. Especially for people who can't do weights or cardio! I've lost 20lbs, talk about amazing!

Just to clear something up: Windsor Pilates is different from classical Pilates. I'm not saying that it's not a good workout--I really wouldn't know. But it's not the same thing.
There's a lot of really crappy stuff out there with the name "Pilates" on it because people are smart and know how to cash in on a trend. So if you're looking for the real Joe-designed Pilates, make sure you know what you're getting before you shell out money on something that's not what you thought it was.
The end:)

Although I understand what this article is trying to say, I do have to disagree with it. I Am not overweight but do have areas I would like to tone up. I have been doing Pilates to a few years now and have noticed an amazing difference. My waist is much smaller and my arms and legs are much more toned. I actually notice a change when I pull my stomach muscles in whereas i use to suck as hard as I could and very little changed! I have lost about 10kgs since I started doing it and although it may not all be attributed to the pilates, I feel so much better when I am doing it that I do not want to put all my hard work to waste by eating junk the next day! I ahte exercise and have all my life, but I LOVE pilates and weight loss or no weight loss I feel so much better, I would recommend it to anyone!

I've read most of the comments, and it seems like the ones to listen to are Jan and RG.

I can say that I tried Pilates a couple of years ago, and it did not have a noticeable effect. BUT, like some have said, it works for them, and various celeb-types have extolled the virtues of Pilates for years.

Personally, I think it depends a lot on your body type. Many people may not realize this, but most celebs are SMALL already. So they usually just need toning benefits, which Pilates does provide.

But I think for most people, Pilates would probably be better for maintaining a figure that they're already basically happy with.

But try it anyway; it can't hurt. When I was doing it, it really helped with flexibility, which the boyfriend really liked!

Thanks, Lisa. All exercise is good exercise anyway. I just have an issue with outrageous claims (i.e. false advertising) that some DVDs make..

Pilates may not burn tons of calories "per hour" but it creates a strong core, so while you're doing anything else you're buring more calories and more effciently. I beleive whoever wrote this article has a very narrow idea of how to loose weiht or how to gain overall fitness. Pilates does this very nicely

Hey everybody i just got the pick your own level weight loss pilates about a week ago i have been doing to for 3 days now im going to continue to do denise austins cardio in the morning and pilates in the afternoon 6 days a week, the pilates in pick your own level, im am using the intermediate level and work my way up, and i will let you guys know my changes before i go out and buy more intense workouts with weights when i get my stamina up and of course keeping a sensible diet...as of right now i am 5'7' and 195....so keep the look out and ill let you know...take it easy everybody and good luck to all.

jan, what's your problem?... there are alot of people here that say that theu acctually lost weight with pilates and yet you continue bashing these exercises... get a life...

I lost 45 pounds doing Tae-bo and Pilates about 3 years ago. I gained back the weight because I didnt keep up my diet and exercise regimen, and now I am doing pilates and kick boxing. I love Pilates because it helps lengthen your body more than just regular crunches which sometimes bulk up your mid-section.

I am currently enrolled in a rigorous yearlong program to certify as a teacher of pilates, and I have learned so much that I'd like to share... Most importantly, I wouldn't recommend trying pilates alone at home with a tape. I know classes can be really expensive, but some exercises can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Some are very difficult, and it's easy to get discouraged if you don't have a professional to encourage you. Some are easy enough to copy, but you might not know if you're actually doing them right & won't get the full benefit without an instructor watching you. Most gyms offer pilates classes (start with mat) that are much cheaper than a swanky studio, and once you have an idea of what you're doing, the tapes should be fine.

Pilates alone won't make you lose weight. Weight loss is such a personal thing, but unless you've been sitting on your couch for the last year don't expect a miracle. However, you most likely will lose inches and dress sizes. You will feel great after your workouts and gradually become very aware of how you move in your body. As a student, I work out for about 3 hours day, 6 days a week and haven't lost any weight, but my body looks better than ever! Ideally I'd say do some pilates, some cardio (pilates will give you great abs but you've got to burn the fat off the top of them or you'll never see the results you've been working so hard for!) and eat healthfully - counting calories really works!

I'm not overweight neither is my wife. As a matter of fact we both would love to gain some weight. We have a very healthy diet but do not do much exercise (I play soccer once a week and that's it). I saw the infomercial and I started to do some research on it. Do you think this is a good exercise program for your general fitness?. I would like to sculpt my body and be able to stretch and feel better.
Thanks for the suggestions!
...Apparently there are great offers of this product going on on eBay....

My mother is one of the top master Pilates instructors in Southern California these days; as such, I've been taking her class now for about four months.
I started out as a size 10 a year and a half ago and now wear a size 6 or 4- part of that is from the Pilates.

Jim, when they say "Sculpt your body Slim" they really do mean sculpting! Pilates is not necessarily going to drop your weight because you will be adding muscle. However, it will trim your inches- BIG TIME. By doing the right exercises (this means you have to have a good teacher who doesn't mind pushing you) you will turn your love handles into muscle, tone your arms, tone your back, tighten up your thighs, and make your abs unbelievably strong. I can't stress enough how much this worked for me, although I do follow, and recommend Stott Pilates, not Winsor.
And by the way- My mom is nearly 60, but she looks forty and wears a size 8/6. All she does is Pilates!
Try to go to classes, not do videos. The video host cannot correct your position, which could be why you're not seeing results.

i love pilates but my problem is my neck!..how do you people hold it up all the time whithout feeling pain?

please some advice? my techer says is ok to told it with one hand ..but still... do you get use to it??

thanks

I have been doing pilates for about three years and I saw improvement in muscle tone immediately. But to lose the forty plus pounds i needed to lose I had to add a major diet change approved by a doctor. My husband also bought me an elliptcal trainer and I use it every night, I do about 5.5 miles a day. After the elliptical workout I do 30minutes of yoga and have gone to a yoga class a couple of times. I have lost 40+ and have kept it off for 2 years. I still eat as if I am on diet, a lot of fruits and veggies, fish and chicken. I also have severe arthritis and this whole regimen helps keeps me flexable and prevents me from waking up stiff in the morning. After turning 30 to lose weight and keep it off for good you have got to change the way you live your life for good, not just until you feel better.

I agree that Pilates is a great way to sculpt your body slim! It teaches more than just a 3 times a week work out, it reinforces good posture throughout the day, which causes you to be holding in and working a variety of new muscles...this is great for weight loss. It is exciting and refreshing, which makes me not exactly crave any junk food after :) all and all I have only heard great things. Another plus is how it makes muscles around your joints stronger so they don't injure so easily. I have several friends and also my dad! that started doing pilates and have not had ANY back pain since!!! Do it!! you will never regret the money spent on it :)

Megan said:
I was reading all of these comments because I'm also doing pilates. I used to do it all the time and it was working in terms of toning, but then I stopped and got lazy and everything. I've just started it again and I'm really hoping that it works and based on everyones comments, it seems like it will. But what I was wondering is if anyone knows of [...]

Hi Megan,

I do the biggest loser DVD Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is great for losing inner thigh weight and also for losing lovehandles. I have been doing the Biggest Loser DVD for about 2 weeks now and can already notice a huge difference on my inner thighs. It is a very hard workout video but it really does work. There's another workout also called Slim and Sleek and it's also extremely good!

Hope that helps ya ;-)

I am a Physical Therapist as well as a Certified Pilates Instructor. I have dropped 2 pant sizes in 1 year; 45 minutes of intermediate to advanced Pilates, 4 times a week. I do not make claims to my students that they will "lose weight" but I do tell them that their shapes will improve, specifically around the waist. Scales do not tell the truth as muscle is heavier than fat. I Encourage them to do a cardio workout 3 times a week for weight loss & general heart health. You will begin to see an Excellent cardio workout w/ advanced exercises, try doing 6 reps of the swan dive & the teaser! Also, videos are difficult to follow & often times can cause injury. Find a class!

I have asthma and have a hard time with cardiovascular work outs so Pilates seems like a good choice for me. I have been doing Winsor Pilates for 2 months now. I try to get in 6 days a week and do a combination of the Upper Body work out twice a week, Buns & Thighs twice a weed, 20 Minute workout once a week and either one of the advanced 1 hour work outs on the weekends.

I am only 5'3", weigh about 165 lbs but still fit in a size 8 -10. I am rather stocky, but muscular - and also have some extra weight. : ) I have to say that I have not lost either weight or inches with the Pilates I have done BUT I know that my body is shifting to become more firmer, especially in the stomach and hips.

I am going to stick with this regime for a couple more months and see where it takes me. If anyone has any advice please share with me! I really want to loose about 20 pounds but feel like I should change up the routine. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hey guys i have been doing the pilates for weight loss and the firm sculpt and tone pilates both 30 minutes for 4 months now and i have to tell you that it will improve your posture and your shape i can fit into pants now that i coudnt even think about buttoning when i first started ive now added the firm bootcamp maximum calorie burn 3 days a week its 50 mins we will see how this goes...later

Marie Winsor's Accelerated Body Workout DVD is the best for quick results. It's an intense all over body workout. If you can aim to incorporate this in with cardio you will be lean and most of all fit! For example Mon: 30-45min Cardio. Tues: Accelerated Pilates Workout and a walk if you feel up to it! Wed: Cardio, Thurs: Pilates, Fri: Cardio and Saturday: Pilates. Always allow a day of rest to recover in your week. The key to eating well is simple, do not eat more calories then you can burn off. So if you stick to 2100 Calories a day and burn minimum 400 calories in your work out then you will see results! Another thing to aim for is 10,000 steps a day, this will help you stay motivated! And try to eat foods that are closest to their NATURAL form! Oh, and it's wise to invest in a good protein shake to help create and maintain LEAN muscle mass.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

I started Pilates in March 2007 after I was diagnosed with type II diabetes. I go to group reformer classes 2 - 3 times a week and have lost 55 pounds, 5 pant sizes, and 10 inches in my hips. Pilates helped me, a previously overweight, clinically obese woman get my life back on track. I have changed my eating habits by diligently cutting out sugar laden foods and by portion control, so I am "dieting", but I still eat an occasional slice of pizza every now and then. I also walk 1-2 miles, 2-3 times a week.
For those of you that have not realized the results you hoped for with video instruction, I would recommend taking an occasional group reformer class. Many tools that were mentioned in previous comments such as magic circle, bumpy ball, and jump board are usually integrated into the reformer session. Jump board Pilates provides the aerobic angle to your Pilates workout.

My journey towards better health will continue because I have more weight to lose, but I am now confident that with Pilates I will be able to achieve my weight loss and health goals.

I really can't speak for everyone else, but I started pilates over a year ago and lost about 25 pounds and kept the weight off. The most significant weight loss for me was around my middle (about 4 inches lost) and my ribcage (about 2.5 inches lost). While 25 lbs doesn't seem like too much weight, I'm sure the numbers on the scale were also the result of replacing some fat with lean muscle. I'm not saying my workout will work for everyone, but I am living, breathing and well postured proof that pilates as your sole means of fitness can help you achieve amazing weight loss.

My fitness regimen consisted solely of pilates, with perhaps a yoga session here or there. No cardio classes for this girl (I absolutely despise running and most other forms of cardio) but I still achieved great results. I only did pilates 3 times a week (one hour sessions), with of course, a somewhat modified diet. I still ate the foods I liked and drank the same amount of alcohol, but worked on not overeating (which is something most of us do without realizing it).

However, the workouts I did were not at home DVDs.. they were at a pilates studio with an instructor telling me what to do. Typically I'd do 2 days on the reformer and 1 day of basic mat pilates. I believe that even if you can see a pilates instructor just once a week, it helps so much because they 1. switch up the routine for you a bit, and 2. are there to help with your form.

Yes, seeing a pilates instructor is pricey, but the results are well worth it. Maybe instead of having a bagel and coffee 3 times a week, you instead make something at home, and use that money to do one private pilates session. The way I saw it, I only had one body and I should look at it like an investment and really work to take care of it. I'm not rich by any means, but I realized that by shifting some money around (perhaps cooking more at home to save money), I could easily work on getting myself to pilates classes.

I also strongly believe that because pilates is such a mind/body workout, it helped me want to put better things into my body, and I wanted to do that without trying very hard. In the end, I realzied that pilates is more about making getting one's mind in tune with her body, and weight loss was a happy side effect.

Hi there. I have been doing Pilates for a month now (3 times a week) with an instructor and I feel and see the difference. My tummy is flatter as well as my arms and inner thights. I am also doing some dieting, but I basically started it to get a firm body and it is WORKING very well!

I am 39 year old female. I have been doing winsor pilates 5x's a week now - 20 min sessions for 3 weeks and power walking 2-4 miles a day as time allows, along with a sensible diet (fresh foods, chicken etc...) I have seen an incredible difference in my posture, my body tone, my belly and even my rear end. The walking I'm sure is burning the fat, but the pilates is returning everyting on my body to its "God-given place. Yippppeeee!

i had 4 kids and after the 4th i gave up on my looks. i am know 30 years old and love to shop with my 13 year old i've been doing pilots 5 days a week running on a treadmill 4 days a week for 15 mins and eating special k bars 3 times a day along with yougart and fruit and its working my clothes are falling off after a month and can see a major change i love pilates

I started pilates training 5 weeks ago doing 1/hr 3 times a week, with an instructor using the pilates beds (they have extra weight resistance) and have been sore the whole time. I haven't changed my eating habits. i am 29 years old, weigh 140 and would like to get down to 125 or a small size 4 by June. Although i feel stronger I haven't seen much physical difference. I am just starting to feel strong enough to suppliment my training with other things. Would anyone like to recommend what I should add to my training (running, yoga, weight trainig)? I plan on staring a food journal and cutting out some calories, but I love food, so would rather emphasize exercise.
Thanks!

I've probably read over the suggestions I'm about to ask for. I don't have a diet plan. I'm not in to programs telling me what to eat. I just need some daily exercise. I'm a stay home mom, can't afford the classes or a gym with a day care. I'm 180lbs, I'm not afraid to admit. Between 2 pregnancies (one miscarriage) I've gained 40 extra pounds. This brings me to Pilates. I hear really good things about the videos but there are so many different ones! I need something real basic. I want to lose weight and tone my muscles and eventually surprise my husband with some belly dances. :) So, to everyone, which Pilate would you recommend (that doesn't require anything but a mat) for me?

Why does the intro say that Pilates was developed for dancers? Joseph Pilates developed the method during World War I to help rehabilitate veterans and wrote his first book about it in 1928.

I did the Winsor Pilates after my first child and lost 65 pounds in about 10 months. It works great and can't wait to do it again after the birth of my second.

Jan - Its impossible to be "too fit for pilates" It uses your own body wieght. And to others, Pilates is an excellent addition to any other form of exercise. Iv been teaching Pilates for a long time, you just need to stick to it. Also, the Winsor videos are crap, look into the STOTT PILATES collection

I recently had my son 3 months ago and have been doing my pilates between 3 and 4 times every week (consistency is the key) I have been alternating the advanced body slimming workout and the upper body strength workout. I was 175lbs when I started I am now almost 143 lbs. Im basically here to say I'm sorry but pilates does work. It wont if you eat chocolate cake and tons of carbs and sweets and fats. You have to keep in mind with any work out system you have to eat somewhat healthy to have results otherwise you wont lose a pound you'll just stay the same weight. This all comes down to caloric intake do some research.

Otherwise if you are eating healthy and its still not working you may not be doing the exercises correctly or not putting in enough effort - you should sweat and have a burning sensation in your muscles that "pain" you feel is just weakness leaving the body.

I have been doing Pilates for about 3 months twice a week. I go to a studio and use the Reformer. I have not lost any weight at all and I can't tell my core is any stronger than when I started. I have been doing cardio on my treadmill 7 days a week for years. I have decided I need to increase the intensity of my cardio to include interval training. I have also decided I need to add weight training. I have 4 questions:
1. Is working out on the Reformer better or is mat Pilates better?
2. How often should I work out each body part on weights. I am thinking 2 full body per week.
3. Is it okay to do Pilates and weight training on back to back days?
4. Would I see just as good results as far as weight loss and ab toning to just do the weight training and cardio and forget the Pilates? Or should I give the Pilates more time or do the Pilates on a mat instead of the Reformer? These classes are expensive!

I lost 70 lbs. total. I started at 242 lbs. I didn't feel like there was a lot that I could do being so heavy. Pilates helped get me started. I felt so good doing it too. Once I lost weight from the pilates (and weight watchers) I started running. I lost a considerable amount of weight in my waist. I didn't notice as much in my legs. I LOVE pilates and always will. Even when I had a bad day of overeating, I always felt immediately better after doing pilates.

I don't think some folks here get the point. Pilates is a form of exercise. It has a unique type of activities associated with it. Like Yoga, or Ti Chi, or weightlifting, some people like the activities of one form of exercise more than other forms of exercise. It's personal preference. If the form of exercise is fun or addicting (within reason), as some people find that Pilates is, then you are more likely to succeed. They key is finding an activity you will do again and again.

Obviously, in addition to your strength training/core training, you should also find time for some cardio, and eat correctly. That's why I'm doing the basic South Beach diet regime along with weight training and pilates. Three months in I've lost 15 pounds, but the thing that's really helped is that I find the pilates relaxing and fun, and somehow that keeps me on track and motivated with the rest. I also try not to be too rigid about what exercises I do on which day. Honestly, it's like writing--everyone has to find their own method for getting past writer's block.

I've been reading all of these comments and wondering if someone who really knows what they're talking about can help me! I am 5'6 almost 5'7 and I weigh 170lbs. I feel very overweight! I recently began eating healthier, going to the gym about 5 times a week to do cardio like running and the eliptical, and also to use the weight machinces on 30lbs or less. I do Winsor Pilates (which I find very helpful) about 3 times a week on top of that. People are telling me that they can already see me looking slimmer, but the scale fluctuates and when I personally look at myself, I don't see any difference. I realize that I began about 3 weeks ago and it takes more time, but I am wondering if there is something I can do to maybe accelerate the weight-loss process! I guess I am impatient but I just really want results! Also, any other comments or helpful tips would be appreciated about my workout or anything I seem to be doing wrong. Thank you! :)

Thank you =) But I have been eating VERY healthy lately. Few fats calories and carbohydrates, but never starving myself. Normally cereal in the AM, a salad for lunch, and lean meat with veggies for dinner. Very light snacking consiting of fruits or Light&Fit yogurts. Only water with lemon. Never even enjoyed sodas. I think my metabolism is just very low. =( Also, I cannot afford a dietitian unfortunately.

I use the Denise Austin pilates dvd and I find that it is the most effective way to slim my waistline and tone my legs. I used this dvd after the birth of my first child and I lost 45 lbs. doing these exercises 6 days a week, with no other diet changes or workout regimes. I have an atrocious diet (cokes, junk food, and carbs galore) but I have found that pilates actually works even with my horrible diet. I don't like running or doing high impact exercises because I have VERY large breasts and they present a problem when jumping, running, etc. I just had my second child and am the heaviest I have ever been (165 lbs.) and I recently began using this dvd again and in only 2 weeks I have lost several inches from my waistline and am beginning to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes. So pilates definately works. After my first child I got down to my goal weight of 115 pounds ONLY doing pilates and I'm confident that it will help me lose significant weight this time also.

Pilates and weight loss can be a tricky issue. Some claim that pilates is great for weight loss while some feel that weight loss and pilates should not belong together. Others simply want to know if weight loss can be achieved while doing pilates? I have written an article on Pilates and Weight Loss, in the past, which might help.
http://thinkpilates.com/pilates-exercise-and-weight-loss/

Peace,
Zoe

I have to add. There are a lot of sites saying that pilates does not make you lose weight. I am no expert, but it does seem like these so called experts saying this are contradicting their own research.

It has been proven that a better muscle definition and more lean muscle mass means that the body throughout the day burns and needs more calories. Thus, if you do pilates to strengthen the muscles in the body, you will burn more calories throughout the day.........thus losing weight.

I do around 40 minutes of pilates most days but have only started a few weeks ago. I love it, I am gaining muscle definition, my physio is amazed at the results. You dont need gimmicks, just a mat and learn how to do the moves properly (you have to work at them).

I do take a book and sit on an exercise bike too about four times per week to back it up, but its definitely the pilates thats making the huge difference that I havent found with any other exercise regimes (my arms are even looking toned, that I hadnt got even when I used to be athletic level fit as I naturally have chunky arms).

I think it varies from person to person, but for my body type, piltes is the best form of exercise.