Do Pilates Help You Lose Belly Fat?

While Pilates is good for toning and strengthening your core muscles, it is not specifically targeted at losing belly fat. The reduction of body fat, including belly fat, involves a combination of overall caloric expenditure and dietary adjustments. Pilates, when combined with a healthy diet and other forms of cardiovascular exercise, can certainly help you achieve a more toned and slimmer midsection by improving your core strength, muscle balance, and muscle definition ( 3 ).

Is It Better to Do Pilates in the Morning or at Night?

The best time to do Pilates largely depends on your personal lifestyle and preferences. Both morning and evening Pilates sessions have their benefits. In the mornings: You may have more energy and focus to devote to your Pilates practice. It can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. You can establish a consistent morning routine. Some people find that it helps with digestion and alleviates morning stiffness. It may be easier to find time in the mornings before your day gets busy. In the evenings: It can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. You can release any built-up tension in your muscles before bed, promoting relaxation and better sleep. It may help with digestion and bloating from dinner. Your body may feel more warmed up and flexible from moving throughout the day. It can be a way to transition from work or other activities to bedtime. Ultimately, the best time for you to do Pilates is when you are most likely to commit to and make it part of your routine. Experiment with both morning and evening sessions and see which works best for you. If possible, try to find a consistent time in either the morning or evening that works with your schedule. Consistency is key in seeing results from your Pilates practice.

Is Pilates and Walking Enough Exercise?

Combining Pilates with other forms of exercise can provide a well-rounded fitness routine. While walking is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise and has many health benefits ( 9 ), it may not be enough on its own to achieve optimal physical fitness. Combining Pilates with other activities such as strength training, cardio, or sports can: Improve overall strength, flexibility, and balance. Help with weight management and body composition. Enhance athletic performance in other activities. Provide a variety of physical and mental health benefits. Prevent boredom and burnout from doing the same activity every day. Prevent muscle imbalances from only focusing on one form of exercise. Allow for rest and recovery days to prevent overtraining.