Should you add Strength Training to your Pilates Routine? No, but here's why you should consider
Let me preface this entire article by saying the best routine is the one you can sustainably and consistently do over time. Whether it’s Pilates, Yoga, long strolls at the beach anything that helps you move consistently and is tailored to your goals is the most effective workout you can do.
With that said, with all the benefits Pilates brings in terms of core development, low-impact bodyweight movements, postural improvement, and joint stability it often lacks progressive overload.
Resistance is dependent on your body weight. To develop strength progressive resistance is required. In terms of Mat Pilates, you’re constrained to your bodyweight; if bodyweight is constant, then progressive resistance is impossible without adding additional load. Although bodyweight alone will be challenging and you will build great relative bodyweight strength, your body weight will be a limiting factor.
Strength training addresses these issues by being able to overload progressively. It’s modularized in the sense you can easily add more weight to increase the intensity of the exercise. This allows you to build muscle and improve bone density by progressively adding more weight under the bar. Like any effective training program, these exercises should be appropriately prescribed to suit your goals and lifestyle.
Day 1: Lower body compound lift
Day 2: Upper body compound & Pilates Core
Day 3: Full body Pilates
Here’s Amanda Blauer’s take on how to integrate Pilates and strength training:
@amandablauerpilates Replying to @followjesus2034 such a great combination!! #pilatesinstructor #pilatesroutine #liftingheavy ♬ original sound - Amanda | Pilates Pro
The moral of the story? Consider diversifying your workouts. While Pilates addresses areas that strength training often misses. Strength training can complement areas you are deficient in especially if it’s strength and muscular development.