Can Pilates Help Me Lose Weight?

Victoria Frances Jackson
Jun 17
2 min read

VFJ Pilates | Questions Answered

When people ask this question, they are usually looking for something that will help them feel better in their bodies, and Pilates absolutely plays a role in that.

While Pilates might not burn as many calories as a high-intensity workout, it supports weight loss and body composition in other, more sustainable ways.

It Builds Lean Muscle

Pilates helps you develop long, strong muscles, particularly through the core. Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat, meaning the more lean muscle you have, the more energy your body uses at rest.

It Improves Posture and Alignment

Better posture can change the way your body looks and feels. Pilates helps you stand taller, move more efficiently, and carry yourself with more confidence. That can shift how your clothes fit and how your body feels in day-to-day life.

It Supports Better Movement Habits

By improving strength, stability, and mobility, Pilates helps you move more effectively in everything else you do, whether that is walking, running, lifting, or dancing. This often leads to more consistent movement, less injury, and more energy overall.

It Encourages Mindful Connection

Pilates helps you reconnect with your body. You learn to tune in to how you feel, where you hold tension, and how you move. This kind of awareness often helps people make more conscious choices in other areas of life, including eating, stress management, and self-care.

It Works Best as Part of a Bigger Picture

Pilates is not a quick fix, but it is a powerful tool. When combined with other healthy habits like walking, balanced eating, and good sleep, it helps support long-term changes in body composition and overall wellbeing.

And sometimes, the most meaningful changes are the ones that are not measured on the scales. These “non-scale victories” might look like losing inches, feeling stronger, putting on socks without getting out of breath, or simply having more energy to enjoy your day. Pilates helps build those wins, gradually, consistently, and with care.. .