Pilates vs Weight Training

[chocolateblueberrywaffles]

Hi ladies! I would love to hear your experiences with pilates vs weight training. I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my fourth (and final!), and I am looking to start planning my fitness journey afterwards. I have been doing pilates and distance running for most of my adult life, but I am interested in weight lifting, I would love to hear about your experiences with weight training (especially if you have also done pilates and if you also run)! TIA lovelies x

It’s not really an either or scenario but both together are great, one supplements the other. I focus more on weight training personally but I also do a lot of mobility work as you can tighten up with weight training so doing both would be hugely beneficial. Weight training is absolutely amazing for running as it improves bone density and muscle mass, preventing injury and joint problems later on. Pre-warn you though, you’ll be hooked - lifting is addictive!

thank you! How did you get started with weight training? Do you make up your own workouts or purchase them? x

I would highly recommend starting with either a PT or a small group PT class to teach you the basics, that’s how I started but I train alone now. It’s very easy to injure yourself if you’re not taught the correct form from the get go - this also depends on what kind of weight training you’re looking at whether that be machines or free weight using dumbbells or barbell as well as your ultimate goal - I love powerlifting but that might not be the aim for you to deadlift twice your body weight. I personally prefer barbell as you have to engage your core a lot more over machines that are specifically targeting one area. Also given you’ll be doing this postpartum, having someone train you will likely be safer from a pelvic floor point of view. I had zero core when I started (thanks C-sections!) but quickly built up strength but very cautiously.

As other posters have said, it's not either/or. It's an entirely made up "battle" on social media.

This is an interesting account of Pilates from a very experienced powerlifter (who runs a useful partum/post-partum programme - for free, I think):

In my (long) experience of both Pilates & weight training, it really depends on the Pilates teacher & the type of class you do. I've done Pilates mat classes on & off since the 80s as a supplement to dance training.

But frankly, weight lifting is a far more efficient way to build muscle and strength. I started lifting pretty heavy (or the ambition to lift heavy) about 8 years ago, and within 6 months of doing weighted barbell squats, I noticed much stronger abdominal, back & quad muscles. Deadlifts strengthen my glutes & back (the whole posterior chain actually).

For me, Pilates is nice & relaxing, but I also train flexibility and mobility which Pilates doesn't really hit, unless my teacher is a dancer/ex-dancer.

I do pilates, weight training and run - I believe it's the perfect combination!

My pilates class is hardcore, it's definitely not nice and relaxing @ParmaVioletTea 😱 I agree about finding the right class and instructor - I go to a studio separate to my gym and whilst it's expensive, it's worth every cent 💯

Definitely not an either/or thing, I think weights and pilates complement each other perfectly. I really dislike this current trend of weight training being better than cardio on social media too, it's possible to do both!

Weight training is way better for toning!

I love them both!

I go to a small group PT led strength training class 3 times a week, and Pilates once a week. I find them very complimentary. My PT also, by chance, is a qualified Pilates teacher, and we often finish with 10 mins or so Pilates as cool down.

I also do all 3 and think they are all important in different ways. I am currently doing 4 weight sessions a week (2 upper, 2 lower) but have built up to that, and 1 plates class a week but I incorporate pilates movements into 20 minute core sessions once or twice a week. I run a couple of times a week - am building back up after a hip injury

Definitely make sure you learn how to lift safely and there are lots of routines online if you search - i would be aiming for 3 full body sessions a week of 45-60 minutes max

pilates is weight training

I was already doing pilates and have just started going to a weight-training session once a week (but will do some at home, depending on how I get on with it). I wouldn't ditch pilates though, because I think it's what has enabled me to start running again after a long gap (where every time I tried going back to it I got some niggly pain or injury). It's improved my balance, core strength and also strength in my feet and ankles (which were part of the problem).

I do all of those and yoga. No set routine, it depends on injuries, the weather, how I’m feeling. I used to go to the gym and lift heavy weights but it damaged my pelvic floor and gave me anal fissures, so I now just stick with lighter weights and train with dumbbells at home. I also agree with doing small group glasses to learn good form but also listen to your body and don’t power through if you think something is wrong. I’d also say consistency is important with weight lifting, I’ve snapped my rib cartilage by going back in too heavy after a break. That was two years ago and it’s still not back to normal.

I find twenty minutes of yoga most days really helps to reduce injury.

weightlifting has definitely made me better at running up hills! Of which there are many in my part of the world.

I go to a Pilates class once a week and it’s good for my pelvic floor which needs significant de-toning (which I was surprised to hear was a thing, as everyone tells you to tighten not relax).

The key is enjoying it all.

I do strength barre which is brutal but captures both aspects for me. In an ideal world I would have time to add in some running too but am hoping to build that in soon.