Both Pilates and weight training are known to work on strength and development of muscle groups, but one may be better suited than the other.
Pilates is named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates, who created the practice in the 1920s with the goal of connecting body and mind. Therefore, those who practice the modality feel the benefits in posture, strength, balance and flexibility of the body. Despite this, there are still many doubts when thinking about its potential, especially when it comes to muscle definition.
How pilates workouts work
Although there is a guideline for working with all muscle groups, the results of Pilates vary depending on the number of sessions in a week, explains Thiago Costa, physiotherapist and partner of Studio Vitaflex.
“We work at basic, intermediate and advanced levels in Pilates. The result depends on the number of times per week. Typically, students who practice Pilates only twice a week as physical exercise see results in three months,” says the professional.
Thiago also points out that it doesn’t matter if the person has a herniated disc or bad posture, they will not be prevented from practicing Pilates. The difference is that an evaluation with a professional will determine the pace of training.
“Pilates aims to develop a uniform body. We must evaluate and find out where that herniated disc comes from, which could be a consequence of a poorly structured body, i.e. non-uniform or even due to a psychosomatic issue. The student’s evaluation it must be done in depth and then a targeted training program will be carried out”, added the physiotherapist.
Can I replace weight training with pilates?
The answer is yes, but you need to understand that there are differences between the two, especially when it comes to muscle definition. In bodybuilding, hypertrophy occurs commonly. In Pilates, organized hypertrophy occurs, says Thiago Costa.
“Organized hypertrophy makes the practitioner work on muscle flexibility by strengthening and increasing muscle mass. People looking for a gradual increase in mass, which leads to changes in the body, should give priority to bodybuilding,” replies the specialist.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
