How many calories do you burn in a Pilates class? (2024)

How many calories do you burn in a Pilates class?

Most of us don't ask the question – how many calories do we actually burn in a Pilates class simply because most of us are not there to burn fat, rather we take up Pilates to exercise and stretch practically every muscle in our bodies, tone our abs, strengthen our backs, re-align our bodies, stretch out our bodies, become more flexible, and so on.
The calorie count is probably the last on our list of questions but it has been asked before and of course we do burn calories in Pilates so here is a report you may find of interest.....

A report published by the American College of Sports Medicine tells of new research conducted by Michele Olson, Ph.D. Olson and her team measured the calories burned during beginner, intermediate, and advanced Pilates mat workouts. The research team monitored heart rate, metabolic rate and rate of perceived exertion while the participants performed exercises in a random order.

180 calories in first 30 minutes, then double!

The research team found that a 30-minute session at an intermediate level burned 180 calories, and continuing the workout burned an additional 90 calories each 15 minutes. It was also found that men burned slightly more calories than women (likely due to the fact that men are larger and have more muscle mass).

Results showed that beginner Pilates exercises burned energy comparable to active stretching, or to other low-moderate intensity exercises. The intermediate workout proved to be of a moderate intensity level, similar to speed walking at a rate of 4 to 4.5 mph. The advanced workout was found to be of high-moderate intensity, similar to taking a step aerobics class.

The team also found that a 1 hour, intermediate level session burned 360 calories. If you add that in some classes we workout with free weights & ankle weights we increase metabolic and heart rate even more and therefore potentially burn even more calories!

How to burn those calories for yourself.

Apart from attending a Pilates class, our Pilates on the Small Ball DVDs allow you to do your Pilates exercises whereever you like.
The small ball is especially great if you suffer from back pain as it allows you to do the more advanced exercises whilst protecting your back.

At Pilates Lifestyle, we use the small ball in a lot of our group Pilates classes, becauseit offers a balanced and varied workout to aid in burning those calories!

How many calories do you burn in a Pilates class? (2024)

FAQs

How many calories do you burn in a Pilates class? ›

Additionally, the results showed that you would burn 4 calories per minute with a beginner Pilates workout, 6 calories per minute, and 7.5 calories per minute with intermediate and advanced Pilates workouts, respectively. That's 240 to 450 calories burned every 60 minutes.

How many calories do 30 minutes of Pilates burn? ›

The research team found that a 30-minute session at an intermediate level burned 180 calories, and continuing the workout burned an additional 90 calories each 15 minutes.

Is Pilates good for losing weight? ›

A 2021 study found Pilates to effectively reduce body weight and body fat percentage in participants with overweight or obesity. These effects were more pronounced in those with obesity only. Additionally, the study found that the longer a person performed Pilates, the more significant the weight loss.

How many calories are burned in a 50 minute Pilates class? ›

For someone who's about 150 pounds, one 50-minute Pilates mat class at a beginner level burns approximately 175 calories. An advanced 50-minute class burns approximately 254 calories. You'll burn more calories in a Pilates reformer class or any Pilates workout where you elevate your heart rate.

Is Pilates high calorie burning? ›

Pilates Calories Burned

A 120-pound person will burn 171 calories per hour of Pilates. A 150-pound person will burn 200 calories with mat Pilates, and a 180-person could burn 257 calories doing Pilates for 1 hour. It takes a certain number of calories for your body to stay alive and function normally.

Is 30 minutes of Pilates a day enough to lose weight? ›

If you want to lose weight, it's recommended to do around 150 mins of moderate exercise per week which equates to an average of five 30-minute pilates classes per week.

Will 20 minutes of Pilates make a difference? ›

If you're following the right workouts, absolutely! 20-minutes a day is plenty to get you in Pilates shape.

Can I lose belly fat with Pilates? ›

Does Pilates help you lose belly fat? Pilates Prahran can definitely help you lose belly fat, but it's important to note that targeted weight loss is not possible, meaning that if you want to lose belly fat, you'll need to aim for overall weight loss.

Is Pilates alone enough exercise? ›

It's possible to strengthen, improve flexibility, and sculpt with Pilates—but as we'll soon see, it's typically not enough on its own to achieve significant muscle gains. At any rate, Pilates helps to maintain muscle since it's a form of resistance training, Aditi notes.

Is Pilates better than cardio? ›

Starting off your fitness journey with pilates is an excellent way to become more consistent with working out, but because Pilates is a low-impact exercise, it may not be as effective as cardio for burning fat.

How long does it take to see results from Pilates? ›

In 10 sessions you will feel a difference, in 20 sessions you will see a difference, in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body,” - Joseph Pilates. But, let us gently remind you that results aren't a one-size fits all approach – everyone is different.

Why does Pilates burn so much? ›

The burn you feel in the 100s, Grant goes on, “is actually a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles being used (which is a positive effect) and exercises that promote endurance, such as the 100s, will often create this feeling due to the repetitive nature of the exercise.” Those endurance exercises are important, she ...

Is Pilates better than gym? ›

If you simply want to keep your body moving and feeling healthy, either is good. If your definition of fit involves lifting heavy weights and muscle hypertrophy, weight training will be better for reaching these goals. If mobility and improved functionality and core strength is a bigger aim, Pilates is better.

Does Pilates slim your body? ›

Pilates is definitely perfect for weight loss as it is a low-impact workout that helps you tone up. It helps you tone up, build lean muscle, and improve posture. It can assist you in maintaining a healthy weight. Traditional mat Pilates workouts burn fewer calories than other aerobic activities.

What burns more fat yoga or Pilates? ›

Both Pilates and yoga are exercises designed to build strength and improve flexibility. Yoga and Pilates are both good for weight loss — but yoga, especially vinyasa yoga, burns more calories per hour. Deciding between Pilates and yoga comes down to personal preference and whichever gets you most excited to workout.

Does Pilates speed up your metabolism? ›

Some studies suggest that Pilates can increase metabolic rate and burn more calories. One study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that women who practiced Pilates for 12 weeks experienced a significant increase in their resting metabolic rate.

Can you burn 500 calories with Pilates? ›

This last is due to the fact that larger people will burn more calories during a workout because they have to lift and move more body weight than their lighter counterparts. Taking these variables into account, you can burn up to 500 calories per hour with Pilates classes.

Does Pilates count as exercise? ›

Pilates involves repetitive movements against resistance, which can help strengthen muscles. Research shows that Pilates may also improve balance, mobility, and mental health. Pilates strengthening exercises include the hundred, the swan, and the teaser.

Is yoga or Pilates better for weight loss? ›

Both Pilates and yoga are exercises designed to build strength and improve flexibility. Yoga and Pilates are both good for weight loss — but yoga, especially vinyasa yoga, burns more calories per hour. Deciding between Pilates and yoga comes down to personal preference and whichever gets you most excited to workout.

How to burn 500 calories a day? ›

20 Ways to Burn 500 Calories
  1. Do a 45 - 60 minute Bootcamp style bodyweight home workout.
  2. Go for a 45 – 60 minute bike ride.
  3. Dirty car? ...
  4. Take part in a 45 -60 minute Body Combat workout on 'Your Space at Home'
  5. Give your dog a 60 – 90 minute brisk walk.
Sep 27, 2023

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