Pilates is a body-conditioning method made up of a set of stretching and strengthening exercises developed by Joseph H. Pilates. The set of exercises is suitable for all levels and can be performed on an exercise mat or on a piece of exercise equipment called a Reformer.
Calories Burned
According to "Pilates Exercise: Lessons From The Lab," a report by Michele Olson, Ph.D., FACSM, a basic/beginner Pilates mat workout performed at low or moderate intensity will burn 4 calories per minute, or 240 calories per hour. An immediate workout performed at a moderate intensity will burn 6 calories per minute, or 360 calories an hour, and an advanced workout performed at a moderate to high intensity will burn 7.5 calories per minute, or 450 calories an hour.
Considerations
The actual amount of calories burned will vary by Pilates workout since a different set of exercises may be performed. Body weight also influences the rate at which calories are burned. The amount of calories burned during a Pilates mat workout is comparable to other aerobic exercises like walking, running or group sports.
Significance
Olson recommends that an individual wishing to lose weight through a Pilates mat workout perform the intermediate or advanced level Pilates at least four times per week for 45 to 60 minutes.
Member Comments