Working out regularly has enormous benefits for both your body and mind. When you combine that with a healthy lifestyle, you can expect excellent results for your health and appearance.
If you are interested in gaining specific body shape, you should choose physical activity in accordance with your wishes.
If you want to decide between standard gym workout and Pilates, I will explain basics about Pilates body vs gym body. In simple words, Pilates will give you slim and toned body, while gym will give you a more muscular look.
What I have to say here is that no matter what your body shape is now, you can start practicing Pilates, or even enrol in a gym class, to reach your goals.
But it is not just appearance that is different here. These workouts have different effects on your mobility, flexibility, balance, endurance, and strength.
If all of this sounds like something you want, you can always combine both! And before you decide, read this short guide with pictures that will lead you to an informed decision.
Pilates Body vs Gym Body: What’s The Difference?
Getting fit and healthy takes time, but ultimately, if you are persistent, you will have one of those bodies that perfectly reflect the workout that lead to it.
So, let’s compare Pilates body vs gym body!
PILATES
Pilates body is usually slim, naturally toned and fit, but usually without showing a lot of muscle. It gives you long muscles that are leaned, and it gives you that unique upright and well-balanced posture.
When it comes to various muscle groups, Pilates can target all of them, especially those deep and smaller groups that not many exercises can activate. This is especially important for core muscles. Pilates is definitely superior here.
GYM
Classic gym workout is excellent for stamina and strength, and your body appearance will reflect that. Gym body is very strong, with developed and more prominent muscles.
And im not talking about heavy body building here. Im talking about regular training with weights that will give you a desired level of fitness and show your muscles.
If doing a lot of weightlifting and fast-paced exercises, you will have more pure strength and stamina than those practicing Pilates, but less flexibility and mobility.
Both bodies can look excellent and provide numerous health benefits.
Pilates Body vs Gym Body [Examples with Photos]
To give you a better understanding of what I was describing before, here are some pictures of both Pilates and Gym body.
As you can see, both of these activities can give you a very high level of physical fitness and very healthy and nice appearance.
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example with Bar
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example on Mat
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example on the Ground
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example on Reformer
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example Mens
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example Woman’s 6Pack
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example Woman’s Back
Pilates Body vs Gym Body – Example Woman and Men
What are the Benefits of Pilates Body or Gym Body?
When comparing Pilates body vs gym body, we have to talk about more than just appearance of your body. Both of these activities give a lot more.
PILATES
Pilates comes in many forms, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It focuses on core muscles that are important for posture and health of your back. Some forms of medical Pilates are suitable for those recovering from various injuries. Well trained Pilates body will give you the following:
• Flexibility
• Joint mobility
• Upright posture
• Reduced back pain
• Lean and toned muscles
• Better concentration and efficient breathing
• Balanced and controlled movement
• And a lot more…
Of course, this does not mean that you will get none of those with gym body, but it means that it is more prominent in Pilates body.
What is important to mention here is that although you will feel good after any exercise, in Pilates that “piece of mind and high energy level” feelings are something that can hardly be described if you have never tried it. The reason is because it focuses on proper breathing a lot and there are numerous breathing exercises you can do.
GYM
Gym, depending on a workout program, and weights and machines you are using, is also suitable for almost everyone. From gentle beginners training to professionals. By regularly exercising in a gym, you will gain the following:
• Strong and visible muscles
• Stamina and endurance
• Larger lung capacity
• Better blood circulation
• Increased calories burn and weight loss
When working out in a gym, you can choose among dozens of different machines and weights, which gives you the possibility to have completely different taring every time.
But, in order to be realistic and make the right decision, you have to know the possible downsides or at least some hardships you could expect:
PILATES
– You may not loose a lot of weight if that is your goal
– Can be dangerous for those suffering from vertigo
– It may take longer to see all results
GYM
– Weight training may lead to muscle injuries
– Possibility to overwork yourself in order to gain results faster than possible
– Stress on your joints and connecting tissues
To maximize the effects of both workouts, you should enrol in a guided class and start exercising with a certified instructor who can monitor your progress, at least while you are still learning as a beginner.
And the best of all is that Pilates can work very well with other activities. Many professional athletes, even body builders, practice Pilates to increase their range of motion and flexibility in order to reduce injuries.
If you are a workout enthusiast, or you are hoping to become one, you can always combine these workouts in order to get the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
Having Pilates body vs gym body is a matter of your personal choice. If you are gaining towards slim and lean appearance, go for Pilates. If you want stronger and more visible muscles, go for gym.
When it comes to health benefits, both will have beneficial effect on your circulation, breathing, metabolism, and general wellbeing.
If you still can’t decide, try both and see which one you like to practice more!