30/07/2026
I think one of the biggest fitness myths of 2026 is that people are replacing strength training with Pilates.
Don't get me wrong, I love Pilates. I think reformer Pilates has loads of benefits. It can improve mobility, body awareness, posture, core control, balance, and it's a fantastic form of exercise.
But where I think social media has gone wrong is making people believe they should be swapping strength training for Pilates.
If you can do both, amazing. They complement each other really well.
But if you only have the time, money or motivation to do one, I'd still choose strength training every single time.
The reason is simple. A well-designed strength programme can improve your strength, build muscle, increase bone density, improve balance, challenge your cardiovascular system, develop your core and even improve mobility if you're training through a full range of motion.
It gives you the broadest range of physical benefits in one type of training.
Pilates is an excellent addition to a programme. I just don't think it should be replacing strength training for most people.
Somewhere along the way, we've started treating them like they're interchangeable. They're not. They each have different strengths, and if your goal is long-term health, maintaining muscle as you age, preventing osteoporosis and staying physically capable for life, strength training should still be the foundation