Hailey Bieber, Naomi Campbell and Margot Robbie all do pilates. You may have also seen it on Madonna or Lady Gaga’s Instagram. Pilates seems to be THE celebrity workout method. Should you give up your gym membership and register for pilates classes? Is pilates more effective than going to the gym?
Also read: Everything you want to know about pilates
What is pilates?
Pilates is a workout method where you work on flexibility, a better posture and your core muscles. You can combine pilates with different sports such as yoga, this provides variation in your workout. You don’t need machines for pilates, so you can easily do a quick workout at home.
Difference with gym
Although both pilates and the gym focus on fitness and health, there are certainly differences between the two. In a gym, emphasis is often placed on the use of machines such as treadmills, stairmasters, and other cardio equipment. Weights and dumbbells often also play a major role in the gym. The focus here is on increasing muscle mass, improving endurance and burning calories.
In the gym you mainly focus on increasing muscle mass. With pilates you focus more on the core muscles. Pilates also improves your flexibility, stability and posture. Pilates is often performed using a mat or specific equipment that you do not find in the gym. The emphasis is on developing a strong, flexible and balanced core while improving stability and body awareness.
Results of pilates
Pilates does not focus on burning calories. So you won’t lose much weight by doing pilates. As mentioned earlier, pilates helps improve your posture, strengthen core muscles and flexibility. Pilates also reduces back and joint pain.
Pilates is not only good for your body, metal also has its benefits. It helps reduce stress and improve concentration. By focusing on breathing and specific movements, your mind relaxes and this gives a feeling of inner peace.
Gym results
When you go to the gym, you choose what results you work for. The gym has a lot of variety in choices and so there is not one clear result. If you want to lose weight, strength training in the gym works best. This is a training method where you strengthen the muscles by lifting weights or exercising intensively.
What is more effective?
Whether pilates is more effective than going to the gym depends on your individual goals. Are you looking for a workout that focuses on developing a strong core, improving flexibility and reducing joint pain? Then pilates is the right choice for you.
If your goal is to build muscle mass, increase your endurance or burn calories and therefore lose weight, a gym routine with strength training and cardio exercises suits you more. You can of course also try both to see which method you like best and works best for you.
Do what suits you
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a workout method that suits your needs. If you find it difficult to figure this out, it is wise to seek advice from a professional trainer or physiotherapist to find out which workout best suits your goals!
