Incorporating Strength Training with Your Pilates Routine

Photo via Unsplash @sxoxm

One question I hear fairly often is whether Pilates “counts” as strength training. The answer is YES! Pilates absolutely builds strength, but it does so in a very specific way. Pilates focuses on controlled movement, deep core stability, balance, and coordination. Because of that, it pairs beautifully with more traditional strength training.

I’ve come to really appreciate how well these two approaches complement each other. When done thoughtfully, Pilates and strength training can support the body in different but equally important ways.

What Pilates Does Really Well

Pilates is incredible for building foundational strength. It emphasizes the muscles that support the spine, stabilize the pelvis, and help the body move in a balanced way. Through Pilates, people often develop:

• Stronger core support

• Better posture

• Improved mobility

• Greater body awareness

• More balanced muscle engagement

Instead of isolating one muscle group at a time, Pilates teaches the body to work as a system. That awareness carries over into everything else you do—including strength training.

What Strength Training Adds

Traditional strength training, whether that’s weights, resistance machines, or bodyweight exercises, allows you to progressively load the muscles. This helps build muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical resilience. Strength training can support:

• Increased muscle strength

• Bone health

• Joint stability

• Metabolic health

When combined with Pilates, strength training often feels more controlled and intentional because the body already has a strong foundation.

Why They Work So Well Together

Think of Pilates as building the foundation and strength training as building on top of it. Pilates helps you learn how to move well—how to stabilize your core, align your body, and control movement through your joints. Strength training then allows you to challenge those patterns with additional resistance. When people combine the two, they often notice that:

• They lift with better form

• They feel stronger and more stable

• They experience fewer aches or imbalances

The two approaches support each other rather than compete.

You don’t need to do everything at once. Many people find success with a simple balance, such as:

• Pilates two to three times per week

• Strength training one to three times per week

The exact combination will depend on your goals, schedule, and energy levels. The key is choosing something that feels sustainable rather than overwhelming. Consistency always matters more than intensity.

Listening to Your Body

One of the things Pilates teaches best is awareness; learning to notice how your body feels during and after movement. That awareness is incredibly helpful when incorporating strength training. Some days your body may feel strong and ready for heavier work. Other days it may benefit more from a slower, more restorative Pilates session. Both are valuable.

Movement doesn’t have to fit neatly into one category to be effective. Pilates and strength training each offer unique benefits, and together they can create a well-rounded approach to fitness. Pilates helps you move with control, balance, and awareness. Strength training helps you build power and resilience. When combined, they support a body that feels strong, capable, and prepared for the demands of everyday life. And ultimately, that’s the goal; not just working out, but moving through life feeling supported by your body.

-Natalie