Is Pilates Strength Training? Here's What You Need to Know
I asked this question on Instagram recently:
Is Pilates a good option for strength training, or is it better used as a supplement to a strength program?
Most people said “supplement,” but over 30% said Pilates is strength training.
So let’s talk about it because like most things in fitness and nutrition, there’s nuance here. And you deserve clear, compassionate, evidence-based info… not fitness hot takes that make you question your choices.
First, Your Goals Matter
The women I work with are usually here for one (or both) of these goals:
✅ Build strength
✅ Improve body composition
So this conversation is coming from that lens.
If your goals look different (like mobility, core control, or movement confidence), your approach might look different too, and that's totally valid.
Where Pilates Shines
Pilates has incredible benefits. We are not here to “vs” or villainize movement styles.
Pilates is amazing for:
✨ Core strength
✨ Stability & control
✨ Mobility
✨ Balance
✨ Muscular endurance
✨ Body awareness
It can absolutely build strength, especially if you're newer to movement.
And if Pilates brings you joy? Huge win. Joy and consistency is powerful.
Where Pilates Falls Short for Strength & Body Comp Goals
If your goal is to:
Build muscle
Get progressively stronger
Support body composition changes
Here’s the key thing to understand:
Progressive overload matters.
To continue building strength over time, you need the ability to keep increasing the challenge, usually through heavier weights or added resistance.
On a reformer (or with most Pilates setups), there’s a limit to how much resistance you can add. That means your strength progression will eventually cap.
This isn’t a knock on Pilates it’s just physiology.
Pilates = Think control + endurance + movement quality
Strength Training = Think muscle growth + heavy load + bone density + metabolic strength
They complement each other beautifully — they just don’t do the exact same job.
So what’s the best approach?
If your goals include:
✅ Building muscle
✅ Getting stronger
✅ Supporting metabolism
✅ Improving body composition
…then strength training should be your main dish and Pilates can be your side dish.
That combo hits the sweet spot: strong, stable, mobile, powerful.
And just so we're clear…
This isn’t about judging or shaming what you choose to do with your body.
This is about supporting you in making informed decisions, so your movement matches your goals, not someone else’s marketing trend.
You deserve a fitness strategy rooted in autonomy, compassion, and evidence… not pressure, guilt, or “perfect program” talk.
Bottom Line
Pilates is incredible.
Strength training is essential for strength and muscle growth.
And you don’t have to choose one, you can do both.
Movement is not either/or.
It’s “What do I need right now?” and “What supports the future I'm building?”
Want help designing a workout plan that’s catered to your personal goals?
