Want a Toned Body?

I've been asked this question many times - can I tone up my body by doing Pilates?

Often, my reply is 'yes, it may help you tone up. It depends on factors including your diet, how much effort, and regularly do you do the exercises'.

I'm thinking, the new "thin" is the toned (healthy and fit looking) body instead of the previously scrawny Kate Moss look. The definition of "toned" is different to each of us. We probably have an idea (an image of a model) how we want to look. However, how realistic is that? And is it possible to have a body that is so well-defined all the time?

As how this author of this article has aptly revealed the insider's truth to those models we see on the magazines, posters, etc.

A few poignant excerpts:

these models are scheduled for photoshoots immediately after competitions. This is to ensure the model is in extreme shape after months of dieting, intense training (often times with the use of steroids and growth hormone), tanning, posing practice, using diuretics, and other photo-enhancing products and tricks.

Another misconception about many fitness models (including myself) is that we stay in this kind of shape all the time. That's not true. In fact, I wouldn't consider it healthy for anyone to stay in this kind of shape all the time. Stop believing the lies: It takes hard work, discipline, knowledge, genetics, and time -- end of story.

do not compare yourself with how someone else looks (never do that!). Let their physique motivate you, but focus on realistic goals for your body. Set your attention to one workout and one meal at a time to make today your best day ever, and you'll achieve your dream body.

Read more: Fitness Modeling

Also, here's an post on a blog on "The Myth of Toning"


So the lesson here is to set a goal and take small steps to work and progress towards the goal. We have to be realistic that the outcome depends on how much effort we put into changing our lifestyle namely, type and quantity of food we put into our bodies, how frequent do we exercise and whether we do both cardiovascular and resistance-training (Pilates is under this category) type. Lastly, sufficient rest for our bodies to recover!



Image source: http://toningabs.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/couple-abs-1.jpg