Ever wondered if reformer pilates really helps you lose that stubborn belly fat?

I get asked this question a lot by my customers, and to be honest, I had the same doubts when I first started. After using reformer pilates regularly myself, I’ve learned quite a bit about what it can (and can't) do for losing belly fat. So let’s clear this up once and for all.

What Actually Works for Losing Belly Fat

Before I dive into reformer pilates specifically, it’s crucial to be clear on one thing—you can't spot reduce belly fat. I used to think sit-ups or crunches would directly target my belly. Turns out, that’s just not how our bodies work. Fat loss happens through a combination of overall weight loss strategies. Pilates alone won’t magically melt belly fat, but it's still incredibly beneficial.

Here's a helpful article explaining why spot reduction isn't effective.

Why Reformer Pilates Helps With Weight Loss

Although pilates doesn’t directly target belly fat, it absolutely contributes to overall weight loss. I’ve personally noticed a huge difference since adding it to my routine. The reason reformer pilates helps with weight loss is simple—it builds lean muscle.

Having more lean muscle increases your metabolism, helping you burn calories even when resting. This makes reformer pilates a great choice if you're looking to reshape your body over time. It's less about quick fixes and more about long-lasting changes. Check out my earlier post about reformer pilates for weight loss and toning  to dive deeper into this topic.

Strengthening Your Core Makes a Difference

One big plus of reformer pilates is how effectively it targets your core muscles. A strong core isn't just about looking good; it's about functional strength, better posture, and reduced back pain. Trust me, when your core is strong, everyday activities become much easier.

Exercises like planks and roll-downs on the reformer engage muscles you probably never even knew existed. I recommend checking out these 5 reformer pilates exercises to strengthen your core  if you're looking for practical moves to incorporate at home.

The Role of Diet and Cardio

When I first started reformer pilates, I quickly realised diet played a huge role. I found that while pilates strengthened my body, the real changes in my belly area came when I paired it with better eating habits. Cutting down on sugars and processed foods made a noticeable difference.

Also, adding cardio into the mix helped accelerate my fat loss. Pilates alone isn’t enough if your goal is significant belly fat reduction. Combining it with cardio workouts, such as brisk walking or cycling, gives much faster results. I've seen customers experience amazing body transformations by blending reformer pilates, diet changes, and regular cardio.

If you're interested, here’s another article   with some great tips on combining pilates with other workouts.

How Often Should You Do Reformer Pilates?

Consistency matters. Personally, I recommend doing reformer pilates at least three times a week to see noticeable results. When I kept this consistent schedule, I felt stronger and saw positive changes in my physique faster.

Of course, having a reformer at home makes consistency easier. If you're considering one, I'd suggest looking into models like our Ivory Fold Reformer  or  the Onyx Reformer Pilates Machine. Both are excellent options for home setups. (Show Product carousel here.)

What Results Can You Realistically Expect?

I often remind my clients to keep their expectations realistic. Pilates won't instantly make your belly fat vanish. But what it does is provide an incredible foundation for overall fitness and health. You’ll feel stronger, more flexible, and have better posture, making other forms of exercise easier and more effective.

In fact, I saw a discussion recently about this very topic. It resonated with me when someone mentioned they didn't see immediate belly fat loss from pilates alone. Instead, they noticed their body gradually changing shape, becoming more toned and defined overall. That's exactly my experience, too.

So, Is Reformer Pilates Worth It?

If your goal is specifically losing belly fat, pilates should be part of your broader plan, not your only solution. But as someone who's seen the overall benefits, I genuinely believe it's an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Pilates complements other activities perfectly, helping you build the kind of body that feels good to move in.

 

If you're not sure where to start, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to help you figure out the best approach for your fitness journey.