If you’ve ever wondered whether Pilates or strength training is better, you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions I’m asked most often by new members.
The simple answer? They’re both fantastic forms of exercise—but they do different jobs.
As someone who teaches both Pilates and strength training classes every week, I’ve seen first-hand how each can improve your health, confidence and everyday life. While some people naturally prefer one over the other, many of my members discover that combining both gives them the best results.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is Pilates?
Pilates focuses on controlled movements, posture, breathing and strengthening the muscles that support your spine and pelvis—often called your core.
It’s about moving well rather than moving fast.
A regular Pilates practice can help to:
- Improve posture
- Increase flexibility
- Develop core strength
- Improve balance and coordination
- Reduce everyday aches and stiffness
- Help you feel more connected to your body
Pilates isn’t just about lying on a mat doing gentle exercises. It can be surprisingly challenging, with movements that require strength, control and concentration.
What is Strength Training?
Strength training involves working your muscles against resistance, whether that’s dumbbells, kettlebells, weighted bars or simply your own body weight.
The goal is to make your muscles stronger over time.
Regular strength training can help you:
- Build and maintain muscle
- Increase bone density
- Improve balance and stability
- Boost metabolism
- Make everyday tasks feel easier
- Reduce the risk of injury
Strength training is especially important as we get older. From around our 30s onwards, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass, and this process speeds up during menopause. Lifting weights helps slow this down and keeps us stronger, more capable and more independent for longer.
How Are They Different?
Although both improve strength, they do it in different ways.
Pilates focuses on quality of movement. It teaches your body how to move efficiently, improves posture and develops stability from the inside out.
Strength training focuses on increasing the amount of force your muscles can produce. Over time, you’ll become stronger, lift heavier and find everyday activities much easier.
Think of it this way:
Pilates builds the foundations. Strength training builds the house.
Who Should Choose Pilates?
Pilates is an excellent choice if you:
- Spend long hours sitting at a desk
- Want to improve posture
- Experience back stiffness
- Are returning to exercise after a break
- Want to improve flexibility and balance
- Prefer slower, more controlled exercise
Many people also find Pilates helps reduce stress because it encourages mindful movement and focused breathing.
Who Should Choose Strength Training?
Strength training may be the better choice if you want to:
- Build muscle
- Feel stronger in everyday life
- Improve bone health
- Increase confidence with weights
- Support healthy ageing
- Improve overall fitness
You don’t need to be young or already fit to start lifting weights. Some of my strongest members didn’t begin strength training until their 50s, 60s or beyond.
Do You Have to Choose?
Not necessarily!
If your schedule or budget only allows one class each week, the best option is the one you’ll enjoy and stick with consistently.
Some people love the focus and flow of Pilates.
Others enjoy the challenge and sense of achievement that comes from getting stronger.
There’s no wrong choice if you’re moving your body regularly.
Why I Recommend Both
If you can fit both into your weekly routine, they complement each other beautifully.
Pilates helps improve posture, mobility and movement quality, making strength exercises feel more controlled and reducing the risk of poor technique.
Strength training builds the muscle and power that Pilates alone can’t fully develop, helping you stay strong, protect your bones and make everyday life easier.
Together they create a balanced approach to fitness.
You’re working on mobility, flexibility, strength, balance, coordination and core stability—all of which become increasingly important as we get older.
It’s one of the reasons so many of my members attend both classes each week in Redditch. They often tell me they notice improvements not just in the classes themselves, but in everyday life too—whether that’s carrying shopping, gardening, climbing stairs or simply feeling more confident in their bodies.
The Bottom Line
If you’re wondering whether to choose Pilates or strength training, remember that there isn’t a single “best” option.
The best exercise is the one you’ll enjoy enough to do consistently.
Pilates helps you move better.
Strength training helps you become stronger.
Together, they provide a powerful combination that supports your health, fitness and wellbeing for years to come.
Whether you’re completely new to exercise or looking to build on your current routine, I’d be delighted to help you find the class that’s right for you. And if you’re able to enjoy both each week, you’ll be giving your body the benefits of two fantastic forms of exercise that work brilliantly hand in hand. My Redditch Fitness Class timetable currently has five Pilates classes per week and four Strength Training Classes to choose from.
https://keepfitwithmichelle.co.uk/classes/pilates/
https://keepfitwithmichelle.co.uk/classes/womens-strength-stretch/
If you’re looking for Pilates or strength training classes in Redditch, take a look at my website and current timetable:
https://keepfitwithmichelle.co.uk/
https://keepfitwithmichelle.co.uk/timetable/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pilates enough exercise on its own?
Pilates is an excellent form of exercise and can improve your core strength, posture, flexibility and balance. However, for overall health, it’s important to include activities that challenge your heart and lungs, as well as exercises that build muscle strength. If Pilates is the activity you enjoy and you’ll attend regularly, that’s a fantastic place to start.
Is strength training better than Pilates?
Not necessarily—they simply have different benefits. Strength training is the best choice for building muscle, improving bone density and increasing overall strength. Pilates focuses on movement quality, posture, flexibility and core stability. One isn’t better than the other; they work beautifully together.
Can I do Pilates and strength training on the same day?
Yes. In fact, many people do. Pilates can improve your mobility, control and movement patterns, while strength training builds muscle and power. Combining the two can help you move better, feel stronger and reduce the risk of injury.
I’m a complete beginner. Which class should I start with?
Both classes are suitable for beginners, and I’ll always offer guidance and alternative exercises where needed. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can chat about your goals, any injuries or concerns, and decide which class would suit you best.
Will lifting weights make me bulky?
This is one of the biggest myths I hear! Building large muscles takes years of dedicated training, specific nutrition and, often, genetics. Strength training is far more likely to help you feel toned, strong and confident while supporting your long-term health.
Is Pilates good for back pain?
Many people find Pilates helps improve posture, strengthen the muscles that support the spine and reduce stiffness. However, if you’re experiencing severe or persistent back pain, it’s always worth speaking to your GP or healthcare professional before starting any new exercise programme.
How many classes should I do each week?
If you’re just starting out, one class a week is a great beginning. As your confidence grows, adding a second class—perhaps combining Pilates with strength training—can provide even greater benefits. Consistency is much more important than doing lots of exercise all at once.
What should I bring to my first class?
Just wear comfortable clothing that you can move in, bring a bottle of water and plenty of enthusiasm! I’ll guide you through everything else, and you’ll be made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
Still not sure which class is right for you?
That’s absolutely fine. Everyone starts somewhere, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. If you’d like some friendly advice, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help you choose the class—or combination of classes—that best suits your goals, lifestyle and experience.
Email: michelle@keepfitwithmichelle.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07966 202 796
How to Book My Classes in Redditch
Online Booking is available on Gymcatch https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/1872
“One of my favourite things is seeing members who started with Pilates gain the confidence to try strength training—or vice versa. Watching them realise they can do more than they ever thought possible is incredibly rewarding. That’s why I believe these two types of exercise complement each other so well.”