If you're reading this then I'm assuming you've either heard how important it is for women to lift weights...or you are a Pilates girl and I've hit a nerve 🤷♀️
Pilates was created by German 'fitness-enthusiast', Joseph Pilates, in the 1920's. It was originally designed to help rehab injured soldiers and POW in British war camps. Back then it was known as Contrology. Joseph and his wife went on to open the first Pilates studio in 1926, in New York.
Whilst Pilates has its place, in a clinical environment, taught by clinically trained professionals ie physios, as an effective form of exercise, the science is still very much in favor of women lifting weights as the most effective way to train to help mitigate the signs of aging.
Strength training replicates functionality vital as we age; deadlifts = picking up your heavy Coles shop, overhead press = putting things away in the cupboard, bent over row = pulling a heavy door, push-ups = pushing a heavy door, step ups = walking up the stairs. All things that when I look at the women in my life, they struggle with now they're in their 70's and above. I refuse to let this happen to me or my clients.
My other gripe with Pilates? It is incredibly easy to become an instructor and is a very unregulated industry. You or I could drop $2k and become a mat instructor this weekend, there is zero pre-requisite and be teaching a class come Monday. Then you have the huge pilates studios with 10 or 20 + beds, with one instructor 🤯
Yes, Pilates is great for flexibility, core strength, and rehabilitation. But it is often seen as a gentle form of exercise; women need strength, not gentle. Cave women weren't mucking about on beds with springs attached, they were carrying children, lifting and pulling heavy loads, climbing, squatting...all functional activities the human body is very capable of.
And ladies, I can ASSURE you, that lifting weights will NOT make you look bulky, you simply don't have the testosterone to build bulk.

For women over 35, strength training should be the priority because it preserves muscle mass, boosts bone density, and prevents metabolic slowdown. Pilates can be a great complement but not your main form of exercise.
If you love Pilates, by all means, keep it in your routine. But if you want to future-proof your body, strength training should be your priority—2-3x per week minimum, with Pilates once a week.
And no, I've never done it and I never will, unless it is recommended for rehab. Then a
nd ONLY then, I will be doing it under the supervision of a physio in a clinical environment.
If you are ready to start your strength training journey, in a safe, supportive, and fun environment, our Lifted by Lou Program is just that! Hit the button below to learn more 👇
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