Pilates Indeed Tones Abs, But Does Little Else

[RedEarth]

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pilates may do more for your gut than stomach crunches, but don't expect it to work miracles on your cardiovascular fitness or body weight, according to new study findings.


Developed in the early 20th century for dancers, Pilates has now become a mainstay of gyms across the U.S. However, there is little information about how many calories people typically burn with the technique.


After monitoring ten people during Pilates workouts, researchers found that a basic routine burns as many calories as a session of moderate stretching.


Intermediate workouts burned as many calories as basic stepping, while advanced workouts approximated the calories burned during speed walking at 4.5 miles per hour.


However, Pilates exercises appeared to provide a better workout for the external obliques, or muscles on either side of the abdomen, than basic crunches. The move known as the "Criss-Cross" gave those muscles the best workout.




http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=751&e=2&u=/nm/20050406/hl_nm/pilates_abs_dc

[liontamer]

1. i think experience has taught me that

but at least i know it's not in my head

[politicat]

2. Sure, and that's why Pilates is not a be-all workout.

The trainers at the Rec center basically say "Pilates 2x a week for toning, aerobic 3x a week for fat burning and cardio health, and weights 2x a week for strength."

Duh.

Thank you, Committee for the Highlighting of the Obvious....