Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates vs Strength Training: Which Should You Choose?
They are not competitors. They solve different problems — and they work well together.
21 April 2026 · 5 min read · Zara Naqvi
What strength training is best at
Progressive loading. Adding weight over time is the clearest route to building strength and supporting muscle and bone health.
What the Reformer is best at
Control, alignment and range. Spring resistance and a moving carriage make you work through positions with precision rather than momentum, which is excellent for core control, balance and mobility.
Choosing between them
If your priority is getting stronger, lead with strength training. If your priority is control, mobility or low-impact work, lead with the Reformer.
Why combining works
Better trunk control and mobility usually improve your lifting positions, and stronger muscles make controlled Reformer work more productive. Many clients train strength twice a week with one Reformer session alongside.