When it comes to low-impact yet effective workouts, Pilates is often at the top of the list. But if you’re working toward a calorie-burning goal or simply tracking your energy expenditure, you might be wondering: how many calories does Pilates actually burn?
In this post, we’ll break down the numbers, explore what affects calorie burn during Pilates, and answer popular questions like:
- How many calories does 30 minutes of Pilates burn?
- How many calories do you burn in 60 minutes of Pilates?
- Do Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates burn the same?
- How many calories do 10 minutes of abs burn?
Let’s dive into the data on measuring how many calories Pilates burns and how you can optimize your sessions for better fitness results.
🧘 What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact workout designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance postural alignment. There are two main types:
- Mat Pilates – Performed on a mat using bodyweight exercises.
- Reformer Pilates – Uses a specialized machine with springs and resistance.
Both offer great benefits for strength, flexibility, and endurance—but the calorie burn can vary depending on the type and intensity.
🔢 Measuring How Many Calories Pilates Burns
The number of calories you burn during Pilates depends on several factors:
- Your weight
- Workout intensity
- Duration of the session
- Experience level
- Whether it’s Mat or Reformer Pilates
On average, here’s how it breaks down:
| Duration | Mat Pilates (low intensity) | Reformer Pilates (moderate-high) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | 120–170 calories | 200–260 calories |
| 50 mins | 200–280 calories | 280–360 calories |
| 60 mins | 240–340 calories | 300–420 calories |
💡 Note: These numbers are estimates for a person weighing 150 lbs (68 kg). If you weigh more or less, your burn may differ.
❓ People Also Ask
➤ How many calories does 30 minutes of Pilates burn?
For a 150-lb person, Mat Pilates burns about 120–170 calories, while Reformer Pilates can burn 200–260 calories in 30 minutes, depending on intensity.
➤ How many calories do you burn in 50 minutes of Reformer Pilates?
You can expect to burn between 280 to 360 calories in a 50-minute Reformer Pilates class. This is higher due to the resistance involved with Reformer machines.
➤ How many calories do you burn in 60 minutes of Pilates?
Depending on your effort and type of Pilates, you could burn:
- 240–340 calories (Mat)
- 300–420 calories (Reformer)
➤ How many calories do 10 minutes of abs burn?
A high-intensity 10-minute abs session can burn about 50–70 calories, depending on your metabolism and effort. In Pilates, ab work is often incorporated throughout the workout, making it a continuous core burner.
🧠 What Affects Calorie Burn in Pilates?
- Body Weight – Heavier individuals burn more calories.
- Effort Level – The harder you work, the more you burn.
- Exercise Type – Reformer Pilates typically burns more due to added resistance.
- Core Engagement – Proper technique and muscle engagement can increase energy use.
🏋️ How to Burn More Calories During Pilates
Want to maximize your calorie burn? Try these tips:
- Focus on control and tension – Proper technique activates more muscles.
- Add resistance bands or light weights – Boosts the intensity.
- Combine Pilates with cardio days – For total-body results.
- Minimize rest between moves – Keep your heart rate up for greater burn.
📈 Why Track Calories Burned in Pilates?
Tracking your Pilates calorie burn helps with:
- Weight loss or maintenance goals
- Balancing your weekly calorie intake vs output
- Building awareness of how different workouts affect your energy levels
Apps like MyFitnessPal, Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Whoop offer Pilates-specific tracking options to help log your sessions accurately.
✅ Final Thoughts on Measuring How Many Calories Pilates Burns
Pilates may not burn as many calories as HIIT or running, but it offers powerful benefits like core strength, flexibility, balance, and posture correction—all while torching a respectable number of calories per session.
So whether you’re doing a quick Mat workout or an intense Reformer session, you can confidently track your progress and reach your fitness goals.