PILATES vs WEIGHT LIFTING...weight loss, lean muscle, gym culture vs wellness culture

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[@SuzieANDecho]

I do weightlifting 3x a week and adding in two Pilates sessions a week as well has been the best thing I have done for my body - my core, my mobility and my posture are so much better since starting Pilates.

[@kimberly5928]

Is that 3 full-body strength training sessions?…just wondering…as I would love to,fit Pilates into my workout split!🫶🏼

[@srdast]

Thats my EXACT workout! I also added one day of gentle yoga too. Its the best routine ive ever had

[@matineyang]

Wait you weight lift 3x a week and do Pilates only twice and you're crediting Pilates as the reason for your improved posture? I would think it was the thing that you were doing more of that would have helped.

[@srdast]

@@matineyang Yea, you'd think, but Pilates works the tiny muscles that allow for proper functional movement. If you weightlifted and those tiny muscles are out of alignment or weak, you can lead to injury. All movements also are predicated on proper core engagement which most people don't know how to do. Many people who lift weights inevitably have issues with a shoulder, or arm, or knee or...something. Pilates is a great complementary practice that ensures proper form and function to take your weightlifting further. Also, it encourages long and lean muscle development that can then GET even stronger from the added weight through your weight lifting regime.

[@matineyang]

@@srdast how do you not engage the tiny muscles to help lift a heavy weight. Do they just shut down and not work at all when your lifting beyond submaximal weight. What is consider long lean muscle as oppose to short stout muscle? I’ve had patients who have come into the clinic who swear by yoga and Pilates with lower back pain and kyphosis and it’s amazing how even after a proper well developed strength training program they will still swear by yoga and Pilates being the cure but it didn’t seem to be the solution when they were doing it twice or three times a week during their bouts of pain.

[@LuminousLifting]

I think because a “Pilates aesthetic” lifestyle promotes slowing down and being softer, it’s less stressful on the body and likely keeps you from spiking cortisol constantly (unlike being super hardcore at the gym, as I used to be). Which, from a hormonal perspective, is excellent for weight loss 😊

[@Jaxxie1981]

I've been swimming daily and my legs have very similar definition as when I was hitting the gym 5x a week. Pilates are no joke. They can be extremely challenging. I feel the best workout is the one you love and will stay consistent with.

[@kiaratheexplorer4]

Love it!!❤

[@S.C037]

I don't think these conversations are had enough...it's really important to discuss how different "exercise cultures" significantly impact lifestyles. This is GREAT!

[@pooh-bunny9249]

I do Yoga 5 times a week and strength training 4 times a week. Yoga helps me with reducing the muscle soreness and makes my strength training more effective. A combination of both is truly killer!

[@lauren789369]

Love that! Where do you find the time! Do you do half an hour / half an hour each in the morning??

[@nanaisloved2736]

I have to say I love destroying myself in the gym but I also notice how much my body craves the gentle movement in pilates. People forget that dancers, swimmers and gymnasts have amazing muscle mass without lifting weights. Consistent usage and tension will also build solid muscle, and I noticed that for athletes it sticks around longer, it's more flexible and just appears more natural and symmetrical 🤔

[@TheBaumcm]

Dancers, swimmers and gymnasts absolutely lift weights. They are more likely to incorporate various exercise for flexibility than team athletes but they absolutely train.

[@Noname-wn1gq]

As a dancer I love to do pilates in order to maintain muscle and elongate them :) Especially when we're doing daily explosive training such as jumping or constantly balancing our bodies 8h a day if we work professionally with dance. I also love the option of pilates machines since your work with resistance and your own body weight, that's normally enough for me as I personally do not like using weights when I train :)

[@m4tta]

@@TheBaumcmas a dancer, we don’t lift weight but we do resistance training

[@Mexicobeanpole]

@@TheBaumcm Maybe you know a dancer that incorporates lifting weights, but that’s not the norm. My niece is a professional dancer. I’ve watched her competitions and training over the years. It’s Pilates and Yoga based. She ran for years, but recently replaced running with walking. She says weight lifting makes her look bulky and have less flexibility. There is a certain look that is looked for in professional dancing. It’s not a person that “looks” boxy as weight lifters do. This is all coming out of her mouth. I personally do Pilates 3-4 days a week. A fully body (relatively short) weight workout twice a week. And daily walking. I may be going back to Pilates full time because it seems I get more injuries with lifting weights.

[@theajones196]

I really love your take on this! I used to weight train 4-5 days a week and do hiit a couple times a week and it wrecked my body. It was just too much stress on it and really negatively impacted my pelvic floor. Started doing Pilates and no longer had pelvic pain, felt less stressed and started to enjoy working out again. Now I found a balance where I do full body weights once maybe twice a week, do liss cardio a few times a week, and do Pilates a few times. I now listen to my body and do what feels good and sounds good to me that day and honestly my body feels and looks better. I’ve still got some muscle definition and shape but I’m not puffy or inflamed anymore and I have more energy without feeling hungry all the time. Everyone’s bodies are different so it’s just doing what works best for you.

[@kimberly5928]

This is Awesome!…This is the journey I’m on…listening to my body more!🫶🏼❤️🫶🏼

[@karenac670]

Yeah but I feel like women look better when you weight lift 4/5 times a week

[@kellieshuster248]

I appreciate you mentioning your pelvic floor troubles because I went through the same thing with weightlifting!! I’ve gone through pelvic PT and finally feel like my pf muscles have calmed down with regards to all day tension.. I was subconsciously tensing up all day without even realizing! Now I’m learning how to properly relax my pelvic floor as I breathe and it’s making lifting less painful.

[@Mexicobeanpole]

@@karenac670That’s a personal preference. I feel just the opposite, to my eye women that primarily lift look boxy and square. Women that primarily do Pilates look long and lean. But, at the end of the day, everyone’s perception is different.

[@karenac670]

@@Mexicobeanpole I agree I mean women that weight train mostly do look boxy. I like a mixture of both. Pilates and weights

[@mariaelenabartesaghi6322]

I LOVE PILATES!! It made me strong and gave me muscles. I am a person with a disability, and am able to do pilates.

[@rachelle13579]

Absolutely!! I genuinely think my body (and hormones) love Pilates and yoga more. I feel less stressed, consistent and more in tune now. Thank you so much for the video ❤

[@MrsRivera777]

Thank you so much for your opinion and advice in your expertise. I am 36 years old and I never developed a love for fitness like now! I have spent years in and out of the gym but was NEVER consistent. 8 months ago I started working out at home and fell in love. Where I’m at now is I weight train, do cardio and Pilates. I love all. I was doing strength training almost everyday and I was exhausted. I do it now about 3 days a week as well the other days cardio/ Pilates. I love how cardio and Pilates makes my body feel. I know strength training is important but I simply can’t do it more than 2/3 days a week. It makes me too hungry and I felt so exhausted.

[@victoriahofman2520]

Exact same as myself!! Love the combo!! Used to strength train 5-6x a week I was hungry constantly and always sore. Now I do 3x weights 3x Pilates/cardio so good!!

[@ajachaney37]

Yes omg I was so hungry with strength training and cardio😭😭

[@sharlotkantonieta]

Same here!

[@kimll88]

Same, if u like fitness, u probably like all fitness related activities. Plus u need time to recover, so it's good to mix it up every now and then. I just like getting the best of all activities and not going to the extreme on either.

[@cassidy757]

Okay, so as a gym girl and as a pilates girl.. i lost the most amount of fat by doing pilates and 10-15k steps. Going hard at the gym caused my appetite to heighten a ton. Pilates and walking has lessened my appetite a lot so i can stay in a calorie deficit. So I've seen the most progress through pilates and walking.

[@biancapolenzani5888]

Thank you for this video! I am mainly a climber (bouldering), and I find pilates more in line with my training philosophy and more functional to my climbing goals.

[@garnettekken]

I do advanced calisthenics and yoga and i will say it’s given me the best muscle definition and it looks more natural and i’m healthier than i was when i was spending 2+ hours in the gym lifting weights. Not to say that I don’t use weights to supplement and warm up but they aren’t my focus anymore. I love doing the arm balances in yoga most.

[@rachelsfitpilates]

Loved this video! I am a weightlifter turned pilates instructor, I do a mix of both now. You laid it out the differences perfectly!

[@MichelleGrigsby]

Abby, I've always used weights to try to change my body and I'm always hurting an older injury in my shoulder. I'm 55 and have always wanted to do Pilates but was always intimidated with all the advanced moves....... I'm on day 10 of the Pilates Renew Challenge and I. AM. IN. LOVE. --- This is the first Pilates program that I feel comfortable doing and I am using muscles I didn't know existed! But you don't push it to the point I'm giving up (so far).... and I've been plenty sore.... but It's a GOOD sore. And I'm actually excited to do the next one because they fly by so fast. I'm just so grateful I found your program because your classes are the best.... and someone that has is addicted to changing up programs every 3 or 4 days... I feel like I'm going to be sticking with this one to the end... and can't WAIT to see the results!

[@lindakayaz]

Pilates is weight training. The Pilates reformer has weights - springs of different strengths. Pilates emphasizes a balanced body. Oh and you can do both Pilates and free weights. Some Yoga mixed in too and HITT. It's not either or, but mix it up and include lots of different exercise methods. I still do Barre from time to time, but since I got my Pilates Reformer, it is my favorite style of exercise.

[@DancingDeity]

Pilates and weight training are different things, completely different ethos and goals.

[@juliareid3258]

I think both pilates and weightlifting complement each other. Compound movements are so good for the bones/muscles, but the megaformer is great for unilateral isometric holds/pulses/ and targets inner/outer thighs and abs better than weightlifting in my opinion. My favorite is weights 3x and pilates 2-3x a week. I feel best with both!

[@deliciousme87]

I do weight lifting and movement classes, i am in a body recomp and actually the movement classes have helped me listen to my body even on weight lifting days. I love the combination of both, and i love movement classes that arnt as high intensity on my active rest days. But if i need full rest days i take them. I could never just be on one team!

[@vikkiskomarokha150]

Thank you for this! I swear I have been researching this for years and I finally have an answer!

[@geneyave-jessico1214]

I love resistance band workouts, cause I can take my bands everywhere and I don't need a gym subscription 😊 throw in a jog session with my dad on Sunday. It has been really good thus far❤

[@hollithomas899]

Abby I’m really happy to have found you, this makes a lot of sense for me and gives me hope for my future six pack 😅

[@iheartmusic1088]

Hey Abby! Can you make a video of how to create your own workout routine for your own needs and how to make sure it’s the best it can be for you.

[@julykis91]

I signed up at the local pilates reformer studio mostly to help myself deal with back pain and avoid surgery. I've done mat pilates a lot in my teenage years after a back injury, so it made sense that pilates should be "doable" and listen-to-your-body-esque. Boy was I wrong. I felt so spent at the end of the first few workouts! It was hard, sweaty, shaky and dizzy. But I'm still doing it and it's getting easier. I definitely see a difference in the way my core feels and looks after a couple of months of workouts.

[@kristiannapotsari2343]

the insights you provide throught your videos are unique. i have been following for years. i LOVE how you keep evolving, learning and updating your (and our) previous conclusions. it is so rare to find someone so open minded and transparent! i LOVE how you try new things and dont get dogmatic. i LOVE how you explore and debunk stuff you yourself previously adopted. at the end of the day you motivate me just by feeling that its ok if i dont do it perfect or 100% right 🙏🙏

[@merie7920]

I like yoga/pilates for creating more mind/muscle connection, core strength, balance and more of a full mental focus. I like weight training for certain skills, keeping up strength, and cardio. I mix it up with the seasons of life.

[@merie7920]

Also I find mixing allows me to exercise 6-7 days a week easily. But with just one variety I can only do 4-5

[@tannabarker6439]

This is so good. It's a much more mindful approach!

[@hmjolley]

The best kind of exercise is the one you like doing. I used to like aerial, competitive sports, rock climbing. Nowadays it’s powerlifting. I like extreme athletic challenges and get a lot out of them. So happy I tried it, but I do throw in some HIIT and Yin Yoga to give it variety.

[@all.ways.active]

I agree!! There’s need to pick a “team”. I love incorporating both weightlifting and pilates into my routine☺️

[@joannapatterson4625]

Pilates and yoga are great on rest days. I do it all.

[@cassiopemartel1395]

I used to be a firefighter working out 5 times a week minimum doing powerlifting and crossfit style ! I had to stop because of fibromyalgia . Barre is my favorite type of exercice now, will definetely try calisthenic and running tho

[@LaianeBrignola]

Love this!!! Great job explaining

[@jjcrazi]

I reckon Pilates compliments weight lifting because it strengthens muscles needed ton perform weight lifting properly.

[@matineyang]

Why not just strengthen the muscles "needed to perform weight lifting properly" by actually doing more weight lifting? That's like saying I wanted to be a better piano player so I practiced playing the guitar so I had the finger dexterity to play the piano.

[@jjcrazi]

@@matineyang yeah nah, you’re no expert

[@matineyang]

@@jjcrazi its okay i dont want to be an expert in Pilates. I'm good lol.

[@dim9753]

@@matineyangbecause sticking to one thing can cause a “blindspot” in technique or underdeveloped accessory muscles. Pilates brings more focus on alignment which can help spot anywhere you may be compensating in your lifts. It also helps focus on smaller muscles that help lift more safely. But you seem like the type who can’t see past your own nose so whatever

[@matineyang]

@@dim9753 why not work on those underdeveloped accessory muscles by doing specific strength exercises that addresses those imbalances. Why must one go to Pilates to strengthen muscles used for lifting? Trust me if you're not in "alignment" you're probably not going to lift pretty heavy weight. I can see someone taking pilates if they're looking for a little variety but don't say pilates in someway will make you a better lifter.

[@TheTitor81]

I can only speak on my experience. Unfortunately I weight lifted till I hurt myself. Pilates was my go to for recovery… Pilates has helped to get me stronger than before on top of healing me. I will always be grateful for Pilates and all those who post instructions on how to perform movements correctly. Love this channel also. God bless.

[@NandaMitchell-cy4jp]

Thanks for going direct to the point ✨

[@godsblessings8602]

I am a retired fitness specialist, and everyone's body responds different to each exercise. I have been working out for 40 years and for my body, weight training is the most sufficient way for building muscle. Pilates is good for muscular endurance but not as good as weightlifting for muscular strength. I think you need both. It also depends on what your goal is. You are still young and it's much easier for a younger person to maintain muscle than an older one. It's very crucial in my age group (I'm 59) to combine weight training using challenging weights (for bone and muscle growth), Pilates and light weights workouts for muscular and cardiovascular endurance. It's also important to do a lot of mobility and stretching exercises. I do light weights, Pilates, or bodyweight exercises once a week, Cardio walking or HIIT workouts 2wice a week including abs, Upper body weight training workout (moderate-heavy weights) once a week including stretching, Lower body weight training (moderate weights) once a week including mobility-stretching. Rest on the weekend.

[@anastasiavorobieva1586]

as a med student the "bulky" vs "lean" muscle on the thumbnail make me almost spiral. in regards to muscle type there is a type 1 and type 2 myocyte, basically one if endurance based and one is there to aid in short spurts of strength. long distance runners have more of the endyrance type and sprinters have more of the other type. Thats a simplifyed explanation but if people dont want to be bulky regardless of pilates or weightlifting they can simply train endurance rather than strength. As someone who did both and now only lifts weight i will say that you can try a bunch of different lifestyles and chose one that fits you best.

[@northwoodfalls1403]

I truly do not understand these “camps” when it comes to fitness. Totally agree with your message here, Abby. The more we can do to take ownership of our own unique needs and desires when it comes to health and wellness and fitness, the better. All of these philosophies and methods have their pros and cons. Take what works and leave the rest and be open to exploring new things. Our bodies are not static, nor are our lives. No one should be taking blood oaths to a tribe here 😏❤

[@JessicaOrban3606]

My thoughts exactly! At the end of the day, you and only you will live in your body. Whatever it is, it has to work for you

[@TheBaumcm]

Yep, hormones, genetics, and even just your body mechanics can greatly impact how useful anything is, nutrition, exercise etc. To your point, our bodies are not the same, day to day, and can vary greatly hour to hour so modifications will always be needed. Why anyone thinks it will be one size fits all or that anything is 100% effective for everyone is beyond me.

[@burkevid4108]

Could you make a pregnancy related fitness video? Moves for hip mobility, baby’s position, strengthening muscles for labor, pelvic floor, pelvic position, ect. THANK YOU! I’ve had two home births and pregnant with #3. Always looking for new fitness inspiration!

[@regularguyanonymous3248]

I was finally eating 2,000~2,3000 calories a day and I finally felt great! but I was CONSTANTLY in the kitchen or eating and it was time consuming

[@nataliefields9009]

yes yes yes! I love everything you said in this video

[@lunadenaj]

Abby, Thank you so much for this video and information. Hope all and everyone is doing well. Wishing you blessings and success. Hugs from Texas

[@NaTreon]

I’d like to hear your thoughts on Barre workouts, can those be incorporated with strength training?

[@mynailsarewet9485]

Needed this Abby! Do you have an app now?

[@NeverStoppedSinging]

Amazing video! Thank you!

[@megansamps]

I tried dry scooping once and nearly died! was coughing for 30 minutes LOL I would never RECOMMEND anyone do that lol

[@kelseykayyoung]

I think people think weightlifting is maxing out. You can build just as much definition and become toned by 5,10, 15 lbs. Learn to be gentle all around and you will prosper ✨

[@stephanieortiz6208]

Abby can you do a video about pregnancy and diastasis recti Safe Ab exercises and not safe an exercises

[@perregrine]

She did one four months ago

[@kategurina7585]

Can we get back to the two-legged squad vs single leg? I didn’t catch it, you are saying that with the same weight single leg should be just as challenging as two legs but it is not, so it’s easier?

[@delanaveirs3411]

It’s interesting to read the comments because I think for me walking & weight training work best for my body & energy but I’d like to add Pilates or yoga & some running. I think running and aerobics that incorporated weights, HIIT, moving up & down with yoga & mountain climbers etc both messed up my body in the past although I loved the high & energy I got, running gave me shin splints & ankle & hip issues, the high intensity mountain climbing, downward dog stuff messed up my neck & shoulders. I prefer a slow & easy approach to exercise but my body looks nothing like yours. I am in my 50s and am slim. I have recently lost some weight & when I do lose weight (that 10-20 lbs we gain when we go on vacation, stop eating healthy, get overworked) I focus on diet over exercise because of the hunger & energy factor. The internet throws so much at people that often they try to do too much or think nothing really works because results are slow or because they are told so many different things by differing sources.

[@bighugelarge182]

i fucking hate lifting weights i feel more relieved with the fact that Pilates is also beneficial, with long walks is a really cool workout

[@WildeSpirit]

How do I get my arms to look like yours? 👀🔥

[@melissapiontek3886]

Hi Abby, you also have breast feeding in the mix here, are you able to touch on how you balance that with exercise/diet/how it could be impacting how you train now? And possibly your results? Give Bean a big hug from me!

[@Vibingwithlya]

Do you still recommend running

[@TheAmandakev]

Just coming back to Abby’s videos after a couple years. Somethings different.. what is it?

[@kimberlyeeden8404]

We need a week of workouts

[@Mizzkeej]

I want to do both !!!

[@toastymoasty6344]

I think the weight comparison with one legged and two legged squat lacks, as when you do a one legged squat with the same weight it's like having almost double weight, because you don't split the weight up on two legs

[@ranminiwij6047]

I love lifting but I hate how painful my body feels after lifting. Yass Yass no pain no gain 😒 but too much pain kills my motivation.Pilates is like meditation for me. That’s why I naturally go for it

[@Lunaraecrochet]

I couldn’t reveal my body until I did Pilates. For me, it’s the mind muscle connection and the core focus.

[@nicolebeck1269]

I’ve been lifting for 18 years, had some breaks in there of course. Girls who get bulky are eating too much or started w too much fat and aren’t getting the fat off. So if u are bulky & ur lifting rather cardio a little or eat less calories. Simple math. Also the bulking thing it’s not a thing I prescribe too. Just keep ur lifts hard and diet high in protein and calories high enough to maintain u if you want to build muscle.

[@bohd3]

I guess I’m in the middle since I just walk and do rowing

[@TomiSk4U]

Your body perfect shape ❤❤ ✌️

[@FeralFeminine]

I know it’s totally not the point but as a geologist and a fan of yours, dinosaurs don’t make fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are actually made of plant life before dinosaurs :-) Love the deep dives you do for your channel and I love your work! Thanks for the videos you make.

[@MarinaMSinger]

I didn’t know we have fossil fuels because of dinasaurs, learned something new 😄

[@TheBaumcm]

Any more, I figure that each type of exercise has its place depending on goals and body conditioning. The only reason Pilates is thought to build lean while weightlifting builds bulky, IMO, is that one only trains to body weight while the other you can max out weights. You can achieve the same things from lifting that you do during Pilates by changing the reps and weights (higher and lower respectively).

[@alicestorm6239]

Why did you delete the videos about your breast augmentation?

[@karenac670]

But everyone says I look 100% better with a muscular thick gym body.. so that makes me wanna stick to the gym not pilates

[@ramessu7976]

Don’t look like palates is good for weight lose

[@bartoszlisiak2542]

Hello Ladies 🌹 You're Beautiful ❤🌹

[@laurahunter1690]

I was listening until you said oil comes from dinosaur bones. That’s completely false