Will Pilates alone help to tone or should I lift weights?

Pilates is NOT a good substitute for regular strength training. Pilates focuses mostly on the core muscles, but does not build muscle mass the way traditional strength training (using progressively increasing resistance levels) does. That's because Pilates uses little to no resistance, few repetitions, and does not work the muscles to fatigue the way traditional strength training does.

Therefore, SparkPeople recommends that people who participate in Pilates also do other more traditional forms of strength training using heavier weights and working your muscles to fatigue.

To learn more about the benefits of Pilates and how to incorporate it in your workout plan, read A Skeptic's Guide to Pilates.

Written by Nicole Nichols, Certified Fitness Instructor and Pilates Instructor

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Will Pilates alone help to tone or should I lift weights?

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