What is Pilates? & why many platforms miss the mark...

Pilates Isn’t Just “Toning” or “Sculpting”

Let’s bust a myth: a “toned” physique isn’t created by one "method" or magical workout. It’s simply muscle mass becoming visible through a lower body fat percentage - something that happens through a combination of resistance training, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.

So, is Pilates inherently better for toning than other workouts? Not necessarily.

But here’s why it can be transformational:

If you’ve struggled to stick with a traditional strength program - and I mean truly consistent for more than three months - Pilates might be the form of resistance exercise that finally clicks for you.

This is where Pilates became my anchor. It combines resistance-based strengthening with anatomically sound mobility, in a way that makes my body feel supported, mobile, and deeply connected.

Why Pilates is My Bread and Butter - The root of my approach

1. Spinal health. I mentioned range of motion, the spine has four primary functions of movement: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. These are functional movement patterns we (most likely) use every single day. To prevent injury and maintain mobility as we age, it’s essential to incorporate these movements into your fitness routine. A classically certified teacher should be able to incorporate these into their client's programming, working with any existing limitation or injuries. As Joseph Pilates said, “You are only as young as your spine is flexible.”

2. Deep core connection. Before I became certified in Pilates, I took classes for years and thought I had a good grasp on core connection. But this is something so widely misunderstood - or simply not taught properly in most group classes. I can’t tell you how many videos I see on social media of Pilates workouts being demonstrated without true transverse abdominis activation.

This connection comes from proper breathing techniques and understanding neutral spine. And to be clear, I’m not placing blame - it’s hard to teach this nuance in a group setting while delivering a full-body workout. That’s why private instruction can be so valuable: once a client truly understands what deep core connection feels like in their body, they can carry that awareness (and the modifications they may need) into any group class.

For someone who has never found this connection in their body before, it can be hard to achieve at first. But the good news is, once you find it, it becomes like riding a bike. Every time you get down on the mat or step onto the reformer, you’ll tap back into it. And it’s not just about ab exercises - this deep core activation is the foundation of essentially every Pilates movement.

3. Joint-friendly strength and mobility. Pilates builds strength and mobility simultaneously, enhancing flexibility and joint health.

There are two extreme ends when it comes to the conversation of Pilates and strength. On one end, you have the bodybuilding culture that dismisses Pilates entirely, claiming it doesn’t build muscle. It’s true that you won’t achieve the same progressive overload as you would in a weight room with heavy lifting. However, when Pilates is programmed correctly, it can provide adequate stimulus to reach muscle failure - which is the key driver of muscle growth.

Research shows that reaching failure within 30 reps for a given muscle group is sufficient to stimulate muscle hypertrophy. Of course, this comes with the nuance that nutrition needs to support muscle gain if that is your goal (I’ll share more evidence-based thoughts on this soon).

When performed with true alignment and intentionality, Pilates can absolutely build strength. For some, their perfect routine might include both strength training and Pilates, depending on their goals, accessibility, and lifestyle.

4. Adaptable and accessible. With a confident and well-trained teacher, Pilates has the unique ability to meet you where you are. It is accessible at any age and adaptable for a wide variety of injuries, limitations, and fitness levels.

5. The perfect complement. Pilates complements other training modalities, like strength training or athletics, by enhancing body awareness, balance, range of motion, and joint-friendly strength - all of which support better performance and faster recovery. It builds the foundational control and stability needed to move efficiently in other activities, reducing your risk of injury and improving coordination.If you’ve struggled to feel confident moving your body in a sustainable, effective way, you might benefit from working with a Pilates teacher who can help you move with your body - not against it. And no, that doesn’t just mean avoiding “problem areas.”

In private Pilates sessions, we focus on your unique movement patterns, address imbalances, and build aligned strength.

With real consistency - more than just a few weeks - you’ll begin to discover what feels best, what challenges you, and what actually keeps you coming back.

I hope Pilates becomes part of that journey for you - helping you build strength, mobility, and a deeper connection to your body. But if it’s not your thing, that’s okay too.

-McKaylee Roth