{"id":50749,"date":"2023-04-26T11:50:08","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T11:50:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=50749"},"modified":"2026-06-30T12:12:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T12:12:00","slug":"does-pilates-build-muscle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Pilates Build Muscle? How It May Support Strength"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Understanding_Pilates_and_Muscle_Conditioning\" >Understanding Pilates and Muscle Conditioning<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Will_Pilates_Build_Muscle_Mass\" >Will Pilates Build Muscle Mass?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Pilates_vs_Traditional_Strength_Training\" >Pilates vs. Traditional Strength Training<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#The_Purpose_of_Pilates_Beyond_Hypertrophy\" >The Purpose of Pilates: Beyond Hypertrophy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Muscle_Definition_Support\" >Muscle Definition Support<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Pilates_and_Body_Weight_Management\" >Pilates and Body Weight Management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Core_Stability_Endurance_Strength_and_Flexibility_Support\" >Core Stability, Endurance, Strength, and Flexibility Support<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Pilates_Muscles_Worked\" >Pilates Muscles Worked<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#3_Ways_to_Support_Strength_with_Pilates\" >3 Ways to Support Strength with Pilates<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#1_How_Can_Beginners_Use_Classic_Pilates_for_Strength\" >1. How Can Beginners Use Classic Pilates for Strength?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#2_How_Can_Pilates_Apparatuses_Increase_Resistance\" >2. How Can Pilates Apparatuses Increase Resistance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#3_Cross-Training_With_Pilates_To_Build_Muscle\" >3. Cross-Training With Pilates To Build Muscle<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Does_Pilates_help_you_build_muscle\" >Does Pilates help you build muscle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#Is_Pilates_good_for_strength_training\" >Is Pilates good for strength training?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#What_does_Pilates_do_to_your_muscles\" >What does Pilates do to your muscles?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does Pilates build muscle? Yes, Pilates may help support muscular strength and endurance, particularly for beginners or when resistance is progressed over time. However, it\u2019s usually not the most direct way to build significant muscle size. It can be a low-impact conditioning practice that may feel approachable for some beginners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Pilates_Build_Muscle\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PilatesOlesia.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you considering Pilates as an entry-level muscle builder or looking to support muscle strength with a low-impact routine? Perhaps you&#8217;re wondering if Pilates could complement your strength and weight training. Pilates is a popular option for people who want a lower-impact way to work on strength, control, and movement quality alongside or instead of traditional weight training.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you\u2019re new to exercise, pregnant or postpartum, have health concerns, or experience discomfort during movement.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Pilates_and_Muscle_Conditioning\"><\/span><b>Understanding Pilates and Muscle Conditioning<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates was originally developed around controlled movements that challenge strength, coordination, posture, and body awareness. The practice is guided by traditional principles that include centering, concentration, control, precision, flow, and breathing (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11447755\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Practitioners use breath, focus, and controlled movement to guide each exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many Pilates exercises involve moving into a position with control, then coordinating the arms, legs, and core through a set movement pattern. You focus on the motions and breathing.\u00a0 This makes it different from traditional resistance training, which is usually designed to increase maximal strength or muscle size through heavier loads and progressive overload. Let&#8217;s see how they differ by first understanding what muscle mass is.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_Pilates_Build_Muscle_Mass\"><\/span><b>Will Pilates Build Muscle Mass?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many Pilates routines use full-body movements rather than isolating one muscle group at a time, typically using body weight, springs, or controlled resistance to challenge the muscles. As with other forms of resistance exercise, Pilates can challenge neuromuscular control, particularly when movements require precision and sustained effort. Meaningful hypertrophy usually requires enough resistance and gradual progression. Apparatus-based or higher-resistance Pilates may provide more challenge than mat Pilates alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertrophy is defined as an increase in muscular size, which can be achieved through exercise (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/sports-and-active-living\/articles\/10.3389\/fspor.2022.949021\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Resistance training with enough challenge and progression is commonly used to stimulate muscle growth. Classic Pilates often emphasizes muscular endurance, control, and sustained effort more than maximal force production (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8473039\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Higher-intensity resistance exercise is generally more effective for building muscle size than low-resistance movement alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic mat Pilates alone may be less likely to produce noticeable increases in muscle size than progressive resistance training. In practice, Pilates may support strength and endurance, while significant muscle growth usually requires progressive resistance, adequate nutrition, and consistency. Combining Pilates with progressive strength training may be more effective if your goal is muscle growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read more: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/barre-vs-pilates\/\"><i>Barre Vs Pilates: Which Is Right For You?<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/two-photos-collage-1920x1200-1-2.png\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pilates_vs_Traditional_Strength_Training\"><\/span><b>Pilates vs. Traditional Strength Training<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To better understand how Pilates compares to traditional strength training, consider the following differences:<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm-comptable-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<table id=\"wpsm-table-1307\" class=\"wpsm-comptable \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<thead class=\"wpsm-thead wpsm-thead-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Feature<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Pilates<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Traditional strength training<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t\t\t\t<tbody class=\"wpsm-tbody\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrimary focus\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCore stability, endurance, and flexibility\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMuscle hypertrophy and maximal strength\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tResistance type\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBody weight and spring resistance\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFree weights, machines, and heavy loads\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMuscle growth type\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMuscular endurance, control, and possible strength gains\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSignificant muscle mass and bulk\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest for\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLower-impact conditioning, body awareness, and movement control\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBuilding maximal strength, power, and muscle size\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t\t\t<\/table>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p><strong>BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app and you will <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Pilates_Build_Muscle\">see good results in a short time.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Purpose_of_Pilates_Beyond_Hypertrophy\"><\/span><b>The Purpose of Pilates: Beyond Hypertrophy<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates is often used for more than muscle size alone. Pilates uses controlled resistance and may support coordination and balance. It may also support body awareness, muscular endurance, flexibility, and movement control. Some research has suggested that Pilates may support core stability and movement control (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11625765\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Muscle_Definition_Support\"><\/span><b>Muscle Definition Support<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates is often used to support muscular endurance and definition rather than significant muscle size. Classic Pilates is less likely than progressive weight training to create large increases in muscle size. However, it may help improve muscular endurance and body awareness, which can contribute to a more defined look for some people when it\u2019s combined with overall activity and nutrition. Body-composition changes vary widely and depend on training frequency, nutrition, starting point, and overall routine. When body-composition changes happen, they are usually more modest than those that are seen with progressive resistance training focused on hypertrophy (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/physiology\/articles\/10.3389\/fphys.2021.643455\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pilates_and_Body_Weight_Management\"><\/span><b>Pilates and Body Weight Management<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates may support body weight management when combined with appropriate nutrition and a consistent routine. Pilates isn\u2019t usually as calorie-focused as many traditional aerobic workouts. One meta-analysis in specific adult populations reported associations between Pilates and changes in body weight, body mass index, and body-fat percentage. Results may not apply to everyone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/physiology\/articles\/10.3389\/fphys.2021.643455\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Pilates may be one way to add regular movement to a broader weight-management routine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Stability_Endurance_Strength_and_Flexibility_Support\"><\/span><b>Core Stability, Endurance, Strength, and Flexibility Support<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why can core stability, strength, endurance, and flexibility matter? The core muscles aren&#8217;t specific to your abdomen. Instead, they consist of two major muscle types: the inner and outer core.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The inner core muscles provide stability and control when you move. They lie deep in your body and close to your back, and include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diaphragm muscles control breathing and abdominal pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internal obliques help move the body sideways and breathe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multifidus muscles run along the back to offer stable support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic floor muscles help support pelvic stability and pressure management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The transversus abdominis is a deep abdominal muscle that helps support trunk control during movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also have the outer core muscles that control the more extensive movements and your body&#8217;s trunk. These muscles and their responsibilities include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">External obliques are on the outside and front of your abdomen, and they help you move side-to-side and support inner core muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erector spinae muscles line the sides of your back and help with all upper-body motions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rectus abdominis muscles are what we think of as abs and help you bend over.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other muscles, such as the hip flexors, comprise the core structure. However, you have the main inner and outer core muscles, which are also known as global and local muscles. This anatomy lesson matters because we see how the inner core muscles work with the outer core muscles. Some Pilates exercises focus on deeper core control. However, research has suggested that Pilates may engage deeper core muscles, with a review finding that Pilates may support core strength similarly to some other exercise approaches when the exercise dose is comparable (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10218154\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ready-2-copy.png\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pilates_Muscles_Worked\"><\/span><b>Pilates Muscles Worked<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have examined which muscles are commonly engaged during Pilates movements. Here&#8217;s how the muscles in your inner and outer core work with Pilates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Abdominal core muscles:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many Pilates exercises emphasize the rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, and internal and external obliques while using controlled movement. One study reported greater core muscle activation in experienced Pilates practitioners, particularly in the external oblique muscle group (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11625765\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Body position core muscles:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pilates movements may involve muscles around the pelvis, back, and trunk that contribute to posture and movement control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Motor control core muscles:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pilates may support flexibility and muscular endurance in several trunk and hip-related muscles. This may support better movement control for some people over time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some Pilates movements also challenge the arms and legs. Working on core control may support coordinated movement of the arms and legs. Some people may notice better control during repeated, well-practiced movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates can engage the inner thighs, glutes, and hip muscles, depending on the exercises used. As many Pilates movements require trunk control, they can feel like a whole-body workout.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hip flexors connect the hips, pelvis, and trunk and can contribute to lower-body movement control. They connect the hip and back, creating stability at a significant point. Pilates engages these hip flexor muscles during various movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These movements also rely on supporting shoulder muscles, not just the larger visible muscles. The rotator cuff plays an important role in shoulder stability and control, particularly the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12222471\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read more: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-hip-exercises\/\"><em>3 Pilates Hip Exercises for a Stronger Lower Body<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/store.betterme.world\/collections\/rompers?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Pilates_Build_Muscle\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ready-13-3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1200\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Ways_to_Support_Strength_with_Pilates\"><\/span><b>3 Ways to Support Strength with Pilates<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your goal is to support strength or muscle development with Pilates, these approaches may help. These approaches can complement a broader strength routine. You can cross-train, add apparatuses, or use Pilates as a beginner trainer. Let&#8217;s see how each technique works.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_How_Can_Beginners_Use_Classic_Pilates_for_Strength\"><\/span><b>1. How Can Beginners Use Classic Pilates for Strength?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As previously mentioned, Pilates may help beginners build muscular endurance, control, and some strength, particularly if they are new to regular exercise. It may feel approachable for some beginners because many of the exercises can be modified by range of motion, tempo, and resistance. In addition, some people include other forms of activity together with Pilates. This is often called cross-training, and it can add variety while giving your body time between harder sessions.\u00a0 Strength and endurance changes may be more noticeable for people who are moving from a low-activity routine to regular exercise. New exercisers may notice early improvements in strength or coordination as their bodies adapt to a new routine (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inspireusafoundation.org\/what-are-newbie-gains\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_Can_Pilates_Apparatuses_Increase_Resistance\"><\/span><b>2. How Can Pilates Apparatuses Increase Resistance?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates with apparatus can increase the intensity of your whole-body workout. For example, an adjustable Pilates reformer can add spring-based resistance to certain movements. The reformer is a resistance exercise device consisting of a sliding platform within a frame connected to a system of springs, pulleys, and ropes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12222471\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These springs and pulleys can add resistance to your movements and may challenge your muscles more than body weight alone. One randomized controlled trial reported changes in body composition, muscle strength, and endurance after reformer Pilates in a specific study group (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12222471\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Cross-Training_With_Pilates_To_Build_Muscle\"><\/span><b>3. Cross-Training With Pilates To Build Muscle<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cross-training involves mixing different types of workouts as part of a more varied fitness routine. Combining Pilates with traditional strength training or cardio may support a more balanced routine that includes resistance, endurance, mobility, and core-focused work. Pilates is likely to be more useful for muscle growth when it complements progressive resistance training rather than replacing it entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Intense sweat sessions, working weight loss tips, lip-smacking recipes come in one package with the BetterMe: Health Coaching app\u2014all at your fingertips, <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Pilates_Build_Muscle\">start transforming your life now!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Model-added-background-1-1.png\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Pilates_help_you_build_muscle\"><\/span><strong>Does Pilates help you build muscle?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates may help build muscular strength and endurance, particularly for beginners or when resistance is progressed. It doesn\u2019t usually create the same muscle-size increases as progressive weight training, but it can challenge the core and support muscular endurance. Muscle-related changes from Pilates are usually more related to endurance, control, and possible definition than large increases in size.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Pilates_good_for_strength_training\"><\/span><strong>Is Pilates good for strength training?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates can be a useful form of resistance-based exercise, particularly for some beginners or people who are looking for a lower-impact format. It uses body weight and resistance to challenge the muscles and may support strength and stability over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_Pilates_do_to_your_muscles\"><\/span><strong>What does Pilates do to your muscles?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates uses controlled movement that may support flexibility, muscular endurance, and strength. It primarily targets the slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are responsible for sustained, endurance-based activities (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8473039\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2117&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Pilates_Build_Muscle\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PilatesOlesia1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates may support strength, endurance, and muscle control, but it\u2019s less likely to result in significant muscle bulk. Adding Pilates to your routine may support core stability, flexibility, and movement control, depending on your consistency, exercise selection, and starting point.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare provider before you start a new exercise routine.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does Pilates build muscle? Yes, Pilates may help support muscular strength and endurance, particularly for beginners or when resistance is progressed over time. However, it\u2019s usually not the most direct way to build significant muscle size. It can be a low-impact conditioning practice that may feel approachable for some beginners. Are you considering Pilates as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":92768,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[201],"tags":[],"coauthors":[45],"class_list":["post-50749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pilates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Does Pilates Build Muscle? How It May Support Strength - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pumping abs and sleek muscles is a fitness dream for many, but \u2605 DOES PILATES BUILD MUSCLE? \u27a4 Discover what Pilates does to your muscles to know the answer.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Does Pilates Build Muscle? How It May Support Strength\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Pumping abs and sleek muscles is a fitness dream for many, but \u2605 DOES PILATES BUILD MUSCLE? \u27a4 Discover what Pilates does to your muscles to know the answer.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-30T12:12:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1341-does-pilates-build-muscle.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/does-pilates-build-muscle\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/does-pilates-build-muscle\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f5676083cac481eb625810c37473c649\"},\"headline\":\"Does Pilates Build Muscle? How It May Support Strength\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-30T12:12:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/does-pilates-build-muscle\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1771,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/does-pilates-build-muscle\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cdn.betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/1341-does-pilates-build-muscle.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Pilates\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Does Pilates build muscle? Yes, Pilates may help support muscular strength and endurance, particularly for beginners or when resistance is progressed over time. However, it\u2019s usually not the most direct way to build significant muscle size. It can be a low-impact conditioning practice that may feel approachable for some beginners.<\\\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\\\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Are you considering Pilates as an entry-level muscle builder or looking to support muscle strength with a low-impact routine? Perhaps you're wondering if Pilates could complement your strength and weight training. Pilates is a popular option for people who want a lower-impact way to work on strength, control, and movement quality alongside or instead of traditional weight training.<\\\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<i><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you\u2019re new to exercise, pregnant or postpartum, have health concerns, or experience discomfort during movement.<\\\/span><\\\/i>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>Understanding Pilates and Muscle Conditioning<\\\/b><\\\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Pilates was originally developed around controlled movements that challenge strength, coordination, posture, and body awareness. The practice is guided by traditional principles that include centering, concentration, control, precision, flow, and breathing (<\\\/span><a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/articles\\\/PMC11447755\\\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\\\/span><\\\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). Practitioners use breath, focus, and controlled movement to guide each exercise.<\\\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Many Pilates exercises involve moving into a position with control, then coordinating the arms, legs, and core through a set movement pattern. You focus on the motions and breathing.\u00a0 Th ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/does-pilates-build-muscle\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/betterme.world\\\/articles\\\/does-pilates-build-muscle\\\/\",\"name\":\"Does Pilates Build Muscle? 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How It May Support Strength - BetterMe","description":"Pumping abs and sleek muscles is a fitness dream for many, but \u2605 DOES PILATES BUILD MUSCLE? \u27a4 Discover what Pilates does to your muscles to know the answer.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Does Pilates Build Muscle? How It May Support Strength","og_description":"Pumping abs and sleek muscles is a fitness dream for many, but \u2605 DOES PILATES BUILD MUSCLE? \u27a4 Discover what Pilates does to your muscles to know the answer.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_author":"#","article_modified_time":"2026-06-30T12:12:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1341-does-pilates-build-muscle.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"BetterMe","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"BetterMe","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/"},"author":{"name":"BetterMe","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f5676083cac481eb625810c37473c649"},"headline":"Does Pilates Build Muscle? How It May Support Strength","dateModified":"2026-06-30T12:12:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/"},"wordCount":1771,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1341-does-pilates-build-muscle.jpg","articleSection":["Pilates"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does Pilates build muscle? Yes, Pilates may help support muscular strength and endurance, particularly for beginners or when resistance is progressed over time. However, it\u2019s usually not the most direct way to build significant muscle size. It can be a low-impact conditioning practice that may feel approachable for some beginners.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you considering Pilates as an entry-level muscle builder or looking to support muscle strength with a low-impact routine? Perhaps you're wondering if Pilates could complement your strength and weight training. Pilates is a popular option for people who want a lower-impact way to work on strength, control, and movement quality alongside or instead of traditional weight training.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you\u2019re new to exercise, pregnant or postpartum, have health concerns, or experience discomfort during movement.<\/span><\/i>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Understanding Pilates and Muscle Conditioning<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates was originally developed around controlled movements that challenge strength, coordination, posture, and body awareness. The practice is guided by traditional principles that include centering, concentration, control, precision, flow, and breathing (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11447755\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Practitioners use breath, focus, and controlled movement to guide each exercise.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many Pilates exercises involve moving into a position with control, then coordinating the arms, legs, and core through a set movement pattern. You focus on the motions and breathing.\u00a0 Th ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/","name":"Does Pilates Build Muscle? How It May Support Strength - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1341-does-pilates-build-muscle.jpg","dateModified":"2026-06-30T12:12:00+00:00","description":"Pumping abs and sleek muscles is a fitness dream for many, but \u2605 DOES PILATES BUILD MUSCLE? \u27a4 Discover what Pilates does to your muscles to know the answer.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1341-does-pilates-build-muscle.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1341-does-pilates-build-muscle.jpg","width":1920,"height":1200,"caption":"Woman holding a Pilates ring during a workout for does Pilates build muscle."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/does-pilates-build-muscle\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Fitness","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/betterme-fitness\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Pilates","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/betterme-fitness\/pilates\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Does Pilates Build Muscle? 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