Does Pilates replace the gym?

Pilates can replace the gym for muscle strengthening, depending on the exercises you include. While it builds core strength, flexibility, and balance ( 10 , 11 ), it may not provide the same muscle growth or cardio options as weightlifting and gym-based workouts.

Is yoga or Pilates better?

Whether yoga or Pilates is better will depend on your individual goals, ability, and preferences. Both can be fantastic options. Yoga focuses more on stretching, while Pilates incorporates muscle strength and enduranc e (12) .

Why do I feel so tired after Pilates?

You may feel tired after Pilates if you’ve completed a challenging or advanced class. Pilates can be designed in varying difficulties. However, after working out, you’ll have expended energy, so it can also be normal to feel tired.

How do I know if Pilates is working?

You may be able to tell if Pilates is working if you start to notice a few things, such as the exercises or sessions feel easier, you can complete harder exercises or for longer, you don’t feel as tired after a session, or you feel stronger (13) .

Blog Editorial team Giulia Ralph, CPT, S&C, SPC

Giulia Ralph, CPT, S&C, SPC

Certified Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach

Giulia Ralph is a qualified Nutritionist, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Weightlifting Coach, and Personal Trainer who holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition.

With over 7 years of experience in nutrition and more than 5 years as a strength coach and personal trainer, Giulia is dedicated to empowering individuals to improve their physical and mental health. Giulia’s passion lies in creating healthy and sustainable habits tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and goals, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding process. She emphasizes a well-rounded approach to fitness, incorporating strength training, weightlifting, and recently, running, into her routine. Beyond her professional pursuits, Giulia enjoys outdoor activities like snowboarding, hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.

Experience

Over 7 years of experience working with individuals and groups in nutrition
More than 5 years as a strength coach and personal trainer in various gym settings
Served as a Head Coach, leading program development
Featured speaker at the Virtual International Conference (IUGA 2020), presenting key nutrition areas for optimal health and practical applications
Actively involved in community nutrition initiatives dedicated to helping underprivileged populations increase their nutritional knowledge and skills

Education

Deakin University – Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition
Australian Strength and Conditioning Association – Strength and Conditioning Coach Accreditation
Australian Weightlifting Federation – Club Weightlifting / Sports Power Coach 1 License
Personal Training Academy – Certificate III & IV in Fitness
Swinburne University – Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition Major)