September 23, 2022 -

Whether you’re beginning your fitness journey anew or choosing to amp it up, energy and motivation drive you to seek out the best form of exercise. Something fun. Something that WORKS! That excitement often wanes when the search turns into confusion. There are so very many different forms of exercise to choose from. 

Here we’ll help you unravel a bit of that confusion. In this article, we will address the questions:

• What is Pilates and what is weight training, how they differ, and how do they both fit into the grand scheme of your health and fitness ambitions?
• Does Pilates build muscle? Addressing Pilates vs weight training for weight loss.
• Is Pilates adaptable to my body type and lifestyle?
• Pilates vs. Weight Training: Can They Work Together?
• Is Pilates better than weight training?

At the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what is Pilates and what is weight training and understand the differences between Pilates vs weight training. This information will show how they can be a unifying force to speed you along more effectively towards your personal health and fitness goals.

The Pilates vs. Weightlifting Difference 

What is Pilates? Joseph Pilates created this physical fitness system in the early 20th century. The exercises he devised focused on strengthening the human body and mind, with an emphasis on core strength and stability. It combines movement with controlled breathing methods leading to a mind-body connection. Pilates helps build and strengthen muscles leading to improved body mechanics, increased metabolism, and (combined with proper nutrition) effective weight loss. Over time, variations have evolved in conjunction with restorative breakthroughs.

What is weight training? There are historical records that date weightlifting back to 3600 BC in China, though it didn’t become competitive until the 1896 Olympic games. Today, it’s one of the most popular forms of exercise because of its many benefits. Resistance training with weights emphasizes building muscle mass which leads to increased skeletal density, a stronger heart, and increased metabolism, and again, combined with a healthy diet, can aid in fat reduction.

While both Pilates and traditional weight training emphasize strengthening the body, the greatest difference is that weightlifting addresses gaining muscle density and mass in the larger muscle groups of the whole body; Pilates trains and strengthens the body and mind so your body can better support an active lifestyle and other forms of exercise. They both require mindfulness. However, weight training, (especially high-intensity interval training or HIIT) can be more high-energy.  Conversely, Pilates uses careful control and breathing methods to focus on the body and mind. We’ll drill down more of the differences in the upcoming sections.

Pilates Teaches How to Build Your Muscle

Does Pilates build muscle? The short answer is, YES! One of the key Pilates principles is to use resistance to build. This can be body-weight resistance on the mat, spring resistance on the Pilates Reformer, or other pieces for specialized Pilates equipment. Whatever form of exercise you choose, you need to consider your end goals. So, for example, when evaluating Pilates vs. weight training for weight loss, it’s not so much a comparison as it is how you will benefit from adding both to your fitness journey.

Pilates Is for EVERY Body!

Is Pilates adaptable to my body type and lifestyle? No matter what your body type and lifestyle, Pilates principles are applicable to any type, age, gender, fitness level, and past injuries or conditions. Your body is uniquely yours, but body mechanics from person to person is relatively the same. Even though we are all on a unique path achieve health and fitness, we all have joints and tendons and a desire to better ourselves and our health. Pilates movements can be modified in limitless ways making it one of the most accessible forms of exercise. Pilates principles truly apply to every person, every shape, and every walk of life. 

Pilates vs. Weight Training: Can They Work Together?

Fitness journeys are not one-size-fits-all. That said, Pilates provides an overall benefit to help you maximize on other forms of exercise, like weightlifting or athletics. Adding even one Pilates class a week to your fitness regimen can reap huge benefits. It enhances the results of many other forms of exercise which means you will likely achieve your fitness goals faster. Pilates has many benefits that lead to a stronger body and contribute to lasting weight loss.

• Improved Flexibility
• Improved Posture
• Can Help Decrease Back and Body Pains
• Helps To Prevent Injuries
• Increases Core Strength and Balance
• Enhances Sports And Athletic Performance

Is Pilates Better Than Weight Training?

It’s not a matter of better or worse. There is no Pilates body vs. weight training body. It’s like trying to compare salt to the main dish sitting on a plate. There are countless main dishes, but salt can enhance them all. Weight training increases muscle and bone density which leads to a healthier body. Pilates is the salt that improves overall body function and mental acuity, which improves how much more you can accomplish when doing strength training, athletic training, and aerobic training. Pilates amplifies results when combined with other forms of training. Though it is the best option if you are looking for a single method that helps with weight loss, strengthening, and overall improved body and mind health. Of course, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, whether it is Pilates, weight training, or any other type of exercise.

Do You Have a Passion for Fitness and Want to Teach Pilates? 

Become a certified Pilates instructor through Pilates Instructor Academy’s rewarding online certification programs! We offer a wide range of Pilates certification programs to fit any person’s life, and each program is 100% online and 100% self-paced. We have a fantastic and continuously growing global community of teachers and studio owners. Take your first step on a new and exciting fitness journey and join the Pilates team through Pilates Instructor Academy! 

Are you ready to start a new career in Pilates? Call 888-251-2080 or message online TODAY!