Whilst Pilates isn’t so good at building muscle bulk or power, what it is great at is utilising your postural muscles. These are deep muscles that tend to be closer to the skeleton that hold us up against gravity and provide stability around the joints whilst we are moving.
Through focused exercises like leg lifts, planks, or movements on the Reformer, these muscles are activated and trained to support you in everyday movement.
Our classes welcome men and women aged 18-55 hoping to regain or improve their active lifestyles. We cater to everyone from high school and college athletes to weekend warriors and adults trying to exercise for the first time. Pilates is low-impact and customizable for your individual needs, making it possible to see results regardless of your age, injuries, or current abilities.
Pilates can help build lean muscle mass, but if it’s covered by excess body fat, those defined muscles won’t be as visible.
But make sure to not overdo it. Just because you have a “problem” area you want to target, does not mean you should be spending your workouts only focussing on that area.
Exercises like the plank and teaser force muscles to contract without movement, which builds strength and definition.
Comparing Pilates to the gym is like comparing apples to oranges. They both offer benefits, but in different ways.
While traditional Pilates doesn’t use heavy weights, it incorporates resistance—especially with equipment yoga grand haven mi like the Reformer—and focuses on eccentric muscle contractions (lengthening under tension), both of which can strengthen muscles.
Our instructors incorporate targeted stretches and full-range movements designed to lengthen tight muscles and enhance joint mobility. Proper stretching keeps muscles pliable and joints fluid, reducing stiffness and risk of strains or sprains. Consistent Pilates helps reopen tight hips, improve hamstring and lower back flexibility, and restore mobility for increased agility and ease of motion.
I remember the day one of my clients walked into my office, frustrated. “I’ve been running and dieting for months,” she said, “but my body still looks the same. I just want to look toned—will Pilates help?”
Lengthening and Strengthening: The goal of Pilates is to make muscles longer and stronger at the same time. This helps give people who do it regularly that long, lean, and toned look. It builds muscle endurance and makes your body look balanced instead of just building muscle mass on its own.
While studying and developing functional strength methodologies, I was introduced to The Pilates Method. This was a truly eye-opening experience. After a couple of months of working with a classical Pilates teacher, I was amazed at how my body felt, looked, and responded to all other activities.
Look for a Pilates class that suits your fitness level and goals. Beginners should start with introductory classes to learn the basics, while more advanced practitioners might benefit from specialized sessions.
GRIT is different because our founder is a male, a former college athlete, and a former professional athlete personal trainer. GRIT is a masculine space, and our community comes here to handle business. We don't care about your size, knowledge, or outfit.