Weight training or Pilates?

[abadgutfeeling]

Ok I only have time to do one really. Should I put my energy into weight training in the gym or a decent Pilates class? I already do hiking and a yoga class.

What are your goals?

Depends what your aim is.

Oh, I didn't think about that 😂

I'm 40 and want to tone up, maintain my weight (I mean, if I put on due to muscle that's fine obviously), improve core strength and posture

Pilates then. However it is fairly similar to yoga (but better IMO). Personally I’d ditch the yoga and do Pilates and weight training.

I hear what you're saying but I do truly love yoga so I do that primarily for my mental health.

I hear so much about weight training being good for women as they get older?

I can't speak to whether you should do yoga in favour of Pilates or vice versa as I can't be arsed with either and have achieved all of your stated aims by doing primarily weight training as my form of exercise, with boxing for cardio. So, obviously, I would recommend including some weight training.

I believe weight training is meant to help with bone density as we get older (can't remember where I read this so can't cite a source sorry) so I'd say weight training as it has benefits over and above what you're after.

But then I lift weights and don't do Pilates and really enjoy it so I would say that!

I agree with the ditch yoga for Pilates idea and do weight training as well.

otherwise do weight training, you’d get more benefit from that and yoga compared to yoga and Pilates.

I'd do yoga and weights

Because you must like yoga if you are doing it already

And weights is meant to be really important as you get older

If I HAD to choose I’d do weight training honestly as you will see more results I think - you don’t need to go to the gym you can buy some free weights & do videos online (if necessary, hire a PT for 1-2 sessions to do the moves)

If you did 20-30 min weight training 2-3 x a week that would be enough to maintain/build a bit of strength

Re Pilates: it depends on the teacher & you will see better results using the reformer

Here, I’d look for a class and try it : then make a decision if you find a class you like

Weight training, definitely - but you need to do it at least 3 x 30 minutes a week, and challenge yourself with the weights.

Look up Caroline Girvan on YouTube. Start with her Beginners programme, then move on to Epic Heat. She will change your life (speaking from experience...)

Also, do at least 1-2 HIIT sessions a week to make sure your doing enough cardio. Loads of trainers on YouTube.

Oh wow, I'm definitely not going to have time for 3x weight training, plus cardio, plus yoga... how do you guys fit it in? But thank you for the advice. I agree maybe results will be easier with weights and because Pilates and yoga are a bit similar

I don’t do yoga or Pilates - 3x weights and 2x HIIT, 30 minutes a day, is all it takes to be very fit 😀

Weight training definitely, depending on what type of yoga you do it'll compliment it stretching you out. Pilates in addition to yoga really won't gain you all that much

It’s really important to incorporate weights into your routine at least 3x a week- really important.

Which is why the nhs says weights twice a week - and that yoga counts towards weight training

It also depends on the Pilates types, with a reformer has resistance training built in and I find it great for my core and shape.
It does nothing for weight in my experience and that is doing two hours a week with individual tuition.

But it is similar to yoga and weights would give you more variety.