Is Pilates, Strength Training?
When I'm guiding you through a strength training session and I said use heavy weights, less reps and until failure, what do I mean?
Lifting weights until failure means you can no longer lift the weight while still having good form. If you're using your hips to try to get those bicep curls up, you're done. Feel me There is often confusion with whether or not Pilates is strength training because, I mean, it is resistance training and you feel a burn. So, let's about the difference between that spicy burn you feel in Pilates vs. lifting weights until you physically cannot do one more rep- failure.
The Pilates Burn 🔥
Ever done a Pilates class and thought, “My thighs are on fire, so this must be working?” That burning sensation is from lactic acid buildup, which happens when your muscles are working hard but not to the point of total exhaustion. Pilates focuses on endurance, toning, and making you question your life choices during side planks. But here’s the thing—that burn doesn’t necessarily mean your muscles are growing.
Training to Failure 💪
Now let’s talk about lifting weights to failure. This isn’t just pushing through a burn; it’s pushing until your muscles say, “Nope. We’re done here.” Training to failure recruits more muscle fibers, which is exactly what you need to build strength and size. Think of it like giving your muscles a memo that says, “Hey, we need to be stronger next time.”
Which One Builds More Muscle?
If your goal is to tone, tighten, and feel a nice burn, Pilates is great. But if you want real muscle growth, weight loss (especially in mid life), strength training (especially to failure) is your BFF. The controlled fatigue in Pilates is like simmering on low heat, while strength training is like cranking the burner to high—it just does more, faster.
So, Should You Ditch Pilates?
Look, Pilates is fantastic for core strength, stability, and improving posture (which, let’s face it, we all need after years of texting). But if muscle-building is your main goal, and you have to choose between the two (because of timing), you're going to want to choose strength training.
