Pilates is an exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates back in the early 1900s. It combines stretching, endurance exercises and strength training. Pilates focuses on your "core," which includes the lower back, abdominal muscles and hip and thigh area. Mari Winsor is a well-known Pilates instructor who studied with a student of Joseph Pilates. Winsor changed Pilates from an exercise mainly for dancers to one that the wider public could engage in. It is possible to lose weight with this method if you combine it with diet and aerobic exercise, but before you begin a new diet and exercise plan, talk to your doctor.
Weight Loss
Although you might lose more in the first couple weeks of a new diet and exercise plan, strive to lose 1 to 2 lbs. a week after that for healthy weight loss. This means that it could take you 10 to 20 weeks to lose 20 lbs. Combine a healthy diet with exercise, including Winsor Pilates, to effectively achieve this goal. Because you have to burn 500 calories a day to lose 1 lb. a week, you can combine reducing some calories through diet with burning some through Winsor Pilates.
Strength Training
Pilates provides the strength training aspect of your exercise needs. The recommendations are 150 or more minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week combined with strength training two or more times a week. Traditional Pilates does not include aerobic exercise, so you need to combine it with aerobic exercise. Strength training through Pilates helps you build muscle. The addition of muscle to your body will help you burn more calories even when you are resting, which may give a boost to your weight loss.
Aerobics
The Winsor Pilates brand includes traditional Pilates as well as Winsor's personal creation, "Slimming Pilates." The second type might be best for weight loss because it combines strength training with an aerobic workout. Winsor uses a method she calls "Seamless Transitioning," where you quickly move from one Pilates pose to the next. She claims this leads to quick weight loss. You can also buy Winsor's "Accelerator" equipment, which she claims will bring your Pilates practice to the next level.
Diet
Weight loss is the most effective when you combine diet and exercise, as it is easier to create a calorie deficit with both than just one. Along with practicing daily Winsor Pilates, reduce the calories you take in through your diet. The American Council on Exercise suggests eating more frequent smaller meals; eating 10 to 15 percent smaller portion sizes; reducing your alcohol, fat and salt intake; and eating healthy foods including low-fat dairy, whole grains and an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
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