Rewriting the Narrative: Pilates as Strength Training
Being a Pilates studio owner, there’s one thing that really fires me up in conversation – and that’s when Pilates is mistakenly seen as just a “stretch” or “rehabilitation” practice. Let’s set the record straight: Pilates is one of the most effective forms of strength training out there.
At its core, Pilates is all about building strength from within. It taps into your body’s natural alignment and engages muscles in ways that not only improve posture, balance, and flexibility but also develop functional strength—the kind that helps you move better in everyday life.
What makes Pilates strength training so powerful is that it doesn’t rely on heavy weights or external resistance. Instead, we use your own body weight, gravity, and the resistance from tools like the Reformer to engage deep stabilizing muscles—those often neglected in traditional strength training. The best part? It's not about bulking up or adding mass; it’s about developing sustainable strength that’s supportive of your body’s long-term health.
In a Mode Pilates class, every movement is designed to recruit multiple muscle groups, often targeting the deep stabilizing muscles in your core, back, and hips—muscles that are key to supporting your posture and movement patterns. This deep muscle engagement builds functional strength that directly translates into daily life, making you feel more balanced and aligned in every movement you make.
Pilates isn’t about the number of reps; it’s about the quality of the movement. By focusing on alignment and control, Pilates not only builds strength but also prevents injury. For example, exercises like the Plank, Teaser, or Bridge do more than just challenge your body—they build strength across your entire body by stabilizing the core, supporting the spine, and increasing shoulder and pelvic control. Over time, this creates a strong foundation that enhances everything you do, inside and outside the studio.
And it’s not just about building strength—it’s about building endurance. Pilates is about sustaining strength over time, moving through controlled, deliberate movements that challenge your muscles for longer than typical strength workouts. This builds muscular endurance, helping you feel stronger for longer.
What I fell in love with 12 years ago about Pilates is that it doesn’t just make me stronger physically—it makes me feel connected to my body. Every session is a reminder that true strength comes from being present, aware, and in control of every muscle, every movement. It’s not about lifting heavier or pushing harder; it’s about moving with purpose, rooted in alignment, balance, and mindful motion.
The power of Pilates isn’t just in the muscles it builds—it’s in the resilience and stability it creates for both body and mind. And if you ask me, mindfulness comes in many forms, but movement has been my therapy. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than seeing an actual therapist! 😉
LB x
