By: Linda Mallard, owner TWC

STOTT, BCRPA, MTA

Pilates will help you stand taller, trim your waistline and increase your metabolism.  Metabolism is not only affected by our muscle tissue, but also our flexibility. 

Before we get started on the benefits of Pilates for weight loss, it must be mentioned that successful weight loss requires attention to nutrition & exercise.  A person who exercises without concern for nutrition or calories will not see the same results as someone who balances both.  A healthy weight loss and weight maintenance exercise program must include strength, flexibility and cardiovascular activity.  Pilates takes care of the strength and flexibility components of fitness.

Through natural aging or inactivity, we lose muscle strength and elasticity.  Muscle is responsible for 25% of our metabolism and metabolism is responsible for every chemical function in our body including the utilization of calorie expenditure.  In a study done on adults aged 95 – 102, the one factor they all had in common is good muscle tissue.  Muscle is linked to longevity, health and a healthy weight.

Flexibility is also a factor in metabolism.  A lack of flexibility sends a message to our brain that our body is not working at full capacity, and the brain responds by slowing down metabolism.  Tight muscles also lack energy, circulation and cellular health.  These are all part of a healthy metabolism.  The greater flexibility and mobility you have, the more your body will respond to strength conditioning increasing your metabolism and daily energy requirements.

Muscle cells require more energy just to exist, so people with greater muscle mass burn more calories even when not exercising. Dieting without exercising can lead to both a decreased metabolic rate and a loss of muscle tone, which can thwart all the effort when pre-diet eating habits are resumed.

Pilates will increase your muscle tissue, flexibility and joint range of motion.  This will in turn send a message to your brain that all is well and the brain will continue to give orders for the body to function at a healthy metabolism.  Pilates also improves your circulation, breathing and lung capacity improving lymphatic drainage.  Lymphatic drainage is your body’s way of ridding itself of daily toxins and impurities.  When we hold onto toxins in our system, our body will store fat around our mid-line as a way to protect our organs from these toxins.  Therefore a healthy lymphatic system is essential  for weight loss and maintaining your healthy weight.

Another side note, while you are toning, burning more calories and improving posture with your Pilates program, you are also improving bone density.  Pilates is classified as a weight bearing activity, a very important part of prevention and care of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

I feel that the many health benefits of regular Pilates exercise make it a superior form of movement with the added side bonus of weight loss and a long lean physique.

Call the Tsawwassen Wellness Centre today to get started and enjoy the results of weight loss, improved muscle tone and better health with Pilates.  604.943.8823.