Weight loss is about more than the number on your scales – it’s about feeling stronger, moving with ease, and feeling motivated to exercise.
So, is Pilates good for weight loss? The short answer is yes – of course!
But how? Below, we’ll explore that exact question: showing you how Reformer Pilates can help you build a lean, toned physique, and exploring Pilates’ many strength-building benefits for your body and mind.
How Reformer Pilates supports weight loss
Reformer Pilates weight loss is about torching calories, developing lean muscle, and enhancing your mobility and strength.
Through dynamic low-impact exercises and the spring-loaded resistance of the Reformer machine, Pilates movements work and tone each area of your body. And because lean muscle burns more energy at rest than fat, you’re even losing calories when you’re away from the studio1.
Wondering how many times a week you should do Pilates to see these benefits? Well, consistency is key – and regular practice helps build strength, support your metabolism, and deliver sustainable results over time. We suggest aiming for at least two to three sessions per week.
The role of strength, toning, and muscle development
Having a toned body – where you can see visible changes to your muscle definition – both looks and feels great. It reflects a revitalized fitness journey that goes beyond Reformer Pilates weight loss, and to a destination that’s rooted in building strength, stability, and control.
Reformer Pilates workouts – like the ones you can enjoy at Vaura – use repeated resistance exercises (think squats, leg circles and side splits) to develop your entire body, often working multiple areas at once. Over time, these can help you build a sculpted, lengthened physique – and feel more confident in your everyday movement.
Can you lose weight with Pilates alone?
Reformer Pilates can absolutely support weight loss – especially the brand of dynamic, high-intensity Pilates you’ll experience with Vaura’s workouts. But, as with any type of exercise, it works best as part of a bigger picture that includes balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and regular movement throughout your day.
Bear in mind that calorie burning isn’t the central focus of Pilates, be that Reformer or mat. Rather, the power of Pilates lies in its ability to consistently strengthen your entire body while making you lean, enhancing your posture and mobility.
Plus, because Pilates is low-impact and gentle on your joints, it’s easier to stick with – helping you build long-lasting progress.
Beyond weight loss: 4 more Reformer Pilates benefits
Even if weight loss is the core focus of your fitness journey, there are so many other health, wellbeing and quality-of-life rewards Pilates offers.
Read on for our top four.
1. Improved mobility, flexibility, and joint health
Reformer Pilates exercises gently encourage you to move your body through its full range of motion, helping to increase flexibility, ease stiffness, and improve your core strength. And because both Pilates and weight loss can help reduce pressure on your joints, you’ll feel more stable in your movements.
2. Better posture and alignment
By elevating the stabilizing muscles that support your spine – like your core and glutes – Pilates movements create better body alignment.
Posture enhancement is also a key reason why prenatal Pilates is so valuable for new Moms or those returning to exercise, as you’ll move more freely and experience less strain in your day-to-day life.
3. Enhanced mind-body connection
To move with precision and control, Reformer Pilates requires you to focus on how you’re breathing through each workout. By concentrating on the muscles you’re using and the rhythm of each exercise, Pilates weight loss exercises provide you with a calming mental reset.
4. Reduced risk of injury
Building balanced strength, mobility, and alignment helps protect your body from injury in all areas of life. This supports your Pilates and weight loss journey, as staying injury-free is key to making lasting progress.
The reduced risk of injury is also why the benefits of Pilates for over 50s are so pronounced – check out our guide for a deeper dive.
Answering your questions about Pilates and weight loss
Curious about how Pilates fits into your weight loss goals?
Below, we break down some of the most common questions to explore exactly how Pilates can help you gain strength – and lose weight.
Does Pilates help with weight loss?
All types of Pilates support weight loss.
High-intensity Pilates workouts burn more calories; but lighter to moderate sessions will also provide plenty of toning through Pilates over time.
Is Reformer Pilates good for weight loss?
Reformer Pilates is fantastic for weight loss as it builds lean muscle, improves mobility, and strengthens your whole body.
Pilates’ resistance-based movements tone your body, boost your metabolism, and can even transform your sleep quality – helping you stay consistent and achieve lasting results.
Does Pilates burn calories?
Yes – high-energy Pilates is especially great for getting a sweat on. The number of calories you burn in a session usually depends on factors like your fitness level, class intensity, and body composition.
Is Pilates enough for weight loss on its own?
By staying consistent with your Pilates practice, you’ll build strength and confidence – and over time, support gradual, sustainable Pilates weight loss results. Pilates can also be blended with yoga for a more holistic fitness routine – so if this is something you’re interested in, you can explore our take on the Pilates vs yoga question in more detail.
Just remember, movement is more enjoyable when shared – so exercise with a friend to drive each other towards your fitness goals.
Is Pilates good for weight loss? Absolutely. But keep in mind, beyond a toned appearance, Reformer Pilates at Vaura is about building strength and confidence.
To read more, brush up on your Pilates lingo with our complete glossary or Pilates terms, or – to explore how Pilates can support you after giving birth – read about the exercises and benefits of postpartum Pilates.
1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2243122/