If you’ve ever wondered whether you should spend your workout time on Pilates vs. strength training you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear all the time in the obé community. One camp swears by long, lean muscles and core connection. The other champions dumbbells and deadlifts.
So… which one’s “better”? Here’s the truth: this isn’t a rivalry—it’s a relationship. Pilates and strength training each bring something powerful to the table, and when you pair them together? That’s when the real magic happens.
We tapped obé instructor Mary W. to help us break down the benefits, bust some myths, and build a weekly workout strategy that makes space for both. Let’s get into it.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Pilates
Pilates is having its moment right now. Scroll TikTok for five minutes, and you’re bound to see at least one Pilates girlie showing off her lean and strong physique, all of which they attribute to their new favorite activity.
And they’re not alone. “I love Pilates because it transforms your body from the inside out,” says Mary. “At its core—literally and figuratively—it’s all about strengthening the ‘powerhouse,’ a term used in Pilates to describe the core muscles,” Mary explains. In Pilates, your core is the foundation of movement, posture, and overall well-being, which is why everything in Pilates connects back to it.
Core strengthening exercises, like the type found in Pilates, help protect and fortify the spine, improving back health and supporting mobility plus functional strength.
“Plus,” Mary adds, “It’s gentle on the joints while still providing a challenging, full-body workout. It’s also an excellent tool for injury prevention, as it focuses on strengthening stabilizing muscles and improving movement patterns.”
So case closed, Pilates wins—right? Not yet. Let’s look at strength training.
READ MORE: Does Wall Pilates Work? Your Definitive Guide from a Pilates Expert
The Pros of Strength Training
“Strength training is one of the most powerful ways to build a stronger, healthier body—not just in appearance, but in function!” says Mary. “It improves muscle mass, bone density, and mobility, making everyday movements easier and reducing your risk of getting hurt.”
According to Mary, lifting weights doesn’t just help you move better now—it helps protect your future self. “It’s a great way to keep your joints safe and avoid injuries by strengthening the muscles that support them,” she explains.
“It also develops true power, aiding posture and metabolism. It’s not just about lifting heavier; it’s about moving better, feeling stronger, and building a body that supports you for life.”
It’s so good for your longevity that Mary shares, “If I had to pick one exercise for life to feel my best every day, it’d be strength training.”
Okay, so we’ve heard the case of both—let’s find out which one is better.
READ MORE: Why Are Strength Training Exercises So Important?
Pilates vs. Strength Training: Which One Is Better?
“Both!” says Mary. “In my opinion, you can’t have one without the other.”
From a scientific standpoint, both Pilates and strength training offer distinct yet complementary benefits.
Research shows that strength training is more effective at increasing muscle mass, improving bone density, and elevating resting metabolic rate (meaning you burn calories even when you’re not working out). All of these benefits are crucial for long-term health and fat loss. If weight loss is your goal, strength training will give you way more bang for your buck. On its own, Pilates is a lower-intensity workout that burns fewer calories.
However, Pilates is particularly effective for improving core stability, posture, flexibility, and neuromuscular control—making it a powerful tool for injury prevention and functional movement. Together, they create a balanced approach that supports both structural strength and movement quality.
“When I focus solely on strength training, I often feel it in my joints,” she says. “That’s where Pilates comes in. When I’m doing Pilates, it feels like I’m giving my joints a massage, and I feel much more aligned and in tune with my balance. It’s the perfect complement to strength training!”
How to Find the Right Balance
Striking a balance between Pilates vs. strength training doesn’t have to be complicated.
“The key to staying consistent with both workouts is finding a program or class that truly resonates with you.”
The right routine isn’t about chasing perfection or forcing yourself through workouts you dread. “Personally, I’m more consistent when I enjoy the workout and actually want to show up for it,” she adds. “In my earlier fitness years, I was all about the physical results. Now, it’s more about how I feel afterward—long-term, it’s all about the internal benefits.”
Check out all the class types obé Fitness offers.
Your Perfect Pairing
In the Pilates vs. strength training debate, the real winner is you—when you do both. Together, they support a balanced, resilient, and strong body. Whether you’re lifting heavy or pulsing through bridges, every movement brings you one step closer to feeling your best.
Want to build a Pilates practice? Try the Pilates Essentials program (Mary is one of the trainers!). Interested in strength training? Try this beginner-friendly Training Essentials program. Looking for the perfect combo? Check out obé’s Pilates and Strength collections on the app and find your feel-good mix today.
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