Winsor Pilates is a form of Pilates derived from the original Pilates developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. Mari Winsor added a twist to the Yoga-Zen-martial arts- inspired fitness regimen taught by Pilates when she introduced her own version of the exercise in the 1990s. Winsor had originally taught a regimen known as "dynamic sequencing" to her students in her fitness studio before she became a certified Pilates instructor. When she got her certification, she combined her method with that of a traditional Pilates to create a workout regimen wherein all exercises are done following a set sequence or pattern to efficiently target all muscle groups in the body. She also incorporated a bit of cardio to the regimen which has resulted in a fast-paced type of Pilates that, says practitioners and observers, is more well-rounded compared to the traditional one.

Muscular and abdominal strength, endurance and stamina are just some of the many benefits derived from a regular Pilates program. In as early as five weeks, a practitioner who engages in Pilates for at least three times a week can expect to feel improvement in their muscle tone through improved posture and overall feelings of better health. While core strengthening, flexibility and improved functional fitness are just some of the many benefits offered by a traditional Pilates program, practitioners also often claim that they incurred a weight loss of an average of 20 pounds while enrolled in the Winsor Pilates program. Because of these testimonials, many want to engage in Winsor Pilates for weight loss to help them get rid of those excess pounds. The question is: Are these claims substantiated by fact or are they just marketing hype?

Perhaps the question of using Winsor Pilates for weight loss can best be answered by the kind of workout this regimen offers. Compared to a traditional Pilates regimen, Winsor does offer a cardio exercise aspect to her method. Cardiovascular workouts are known for their ability to boost metabolism and burn more calories. Because it does this, excess pounds are also burned in the process. Because Winsor Pilates tones and sculpts muscles, fat loss also occurs as more muscle mass is increased. Through these, one can engage in Winsor Pilates for weight loss. Besides, Pilates works to elongate the muscles of the body, giving the appearance of a taller, leaner look. Further studies have to be done, however, to really substantiate claims that the Winsor Pilates program by itself can aid in the efforts to reduce weight.

Because it is a low-impact exercise, many who want to lose weight but can't do it using such methods as aerobics or jogging find that Winsor Pilates works as a great alternative. Overweight individuals are prone to joint injuries whenever they engage in a high-impact exercise routine because of the excess pounds they carry that puts a lot of strain on the joints. Winsor Pilates takes away this danger. If you want to engage in Winsor Pilates to help you lose those excess pounds, be sure to incorporate a healthy diet into your routine. No amount of exercise will work if you continue to consume more calories than what you can burn through a Winsor Pilates program.