The Claim

A 4-week supervised Pilates program performed five times per week for 50 minutes per session significantly improves abdominal muscle endurance by approximately 8.55 repetitions in a 1-minute curl-up test in primiparous women 2–12 months postpartum, compared to no intervention.

Source: Effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of rectus abdominis, waist circumference and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
47score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Women who have recently given birth and participate in a supervised Pilates program five times a week for four weeks show an increase of about 8.55 more repetitions in a 1-minute curl-up test compared to those who do not exercise.

See the scientific wording

A 4-week supervised Pilates program performed five times per week for 50 minutes per session significantly improves abdominal muscle endurance by approximately 8.55 repetitions in a 1-minute curl-up test in primiparous women 2–12 months postpartum, compared to no intervention, indicating enhanced functional capacity of the abdominal musculature.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of rectus abdominis, waist circumference and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women

    This study found that new moms who did Pilates for 4 weeks, five times a week, got much better at doing sit-ups in one minute compared to moms who didn’t do anything. So yes, Pilates helps strengthen the stomach muscles after having a baby.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.