Pilates Feels Great — But Lifting Gets You Results
At The Training Gyms, we support all kinds of movement. Walking, dancing, swimming, and yes, Pilates – they all have value and can improve your health.
But if your goal is to build strength, burn fat, feel energised, or transform how your body works, movement alone isn’t enough. You need resistance. You need progression. That’s where lifting weights makes all the difference.
And whether you’re male or female, young or older, our approach to personal training in Bedford is designed to help you train safely, effectively and for the long run.
Lifting Weights vs. Pilates: What You Need to Know
While Pilates is often popular with women, this conversation applies to everyone. Whether you’re male or female, your body needs strength training to build muscle, support hormones, and maintain long-term health.
Why Lifting Wins: Quick Takeaways
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Activates type 2 muscle fibres (the ones we lose with age)
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Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
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Boosts metabolism and energy
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Helps reduce fat storage from stress and poor sleep
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Strengthens joints, muscles, and bones
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Supports balanced hormones in both men and women
What Pilates Can (and Can’t) Do
Pilates is excellent for posture, mobility, flexibility, and control. It targets type 1 muscle fibres, which help with endurance and rehab. Many people feel better doing it, and that matters.
However, Pilates doesn’t create the kind of resistance needed to build muscle. That’s why, even after months of classes, some people still feel like their body shape and strength haven’t changed much.
Lifting weights targets the type 2 muscle fibres responsible for metabolism, strength, and physical transformation. These fibres shrink as we age, unless we train them.
Strength Training: Real Benefits for Real People
When done properly, strength training delivers powerful results. It’s not just about appearance — it’s about building a healthier, more resilient body. Here’s what lifting with progressive overload can do:
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Increases insulin sensitivity — helping your body use energy more efficiently
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Lowers cortisol, especially with proper rest between sessions
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Boosts testosterone and growth hormone, which aid recovery and metabolism in both sexes
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Supports thyroid and adrenal health
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Improves oestrogen metabolism, helping prevent hormonal imbalances
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Creates muscle reserves, so you bounce back faster after stress, illness, or injury
None of that comes from doing light resistance or stretching. It comes from strength training — with structure, intention, and the right support.
Why Muscle Matters (for Everyone)
Many people underestimate how important muscle is — especially as they get older. It’s not just about “toning up” or looking a certain way.
Muscle helps control blood sugar, reduce fat storage, regulate hunger, and protect your joints and bones. Without enough muscle mass, you may find yourself:
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Gaining fat despite eating well
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Feeling tired, moody, or unmotivated
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Recovering slowly from illness or injury
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Struggling with stress or hormone issues
We see this all the time in personal training in Bedford. People come to us feeling like they’ve tried everything — clean eating, cardio, Pilates — but nothing’s shifting. The missing link is usually strength training.
Can’t I Just Stick with Pilates?
If you enjoy Pilates — keep doing it. It’s great for joint health, flexibility, and focus. But don’t rely on it alone if your goal is to build muscle, reduce fat, or change your body composition.
To get those results, you need more resistance and a plan that gets harder over time. That’s exactly what lifting offers — and it’s what we coach every day at The Training Gyms.
What to Expect with Personal Training in Bedford
Lifting weights can feel intimidating at first, but that’s why we’re here.
At The Training Gyms, our coaches teach you how to lift safely, correctly, and confidently. You don’t need to be strong to start. You just need the right guidance, and a space where you feel supported, not judged.
You’ll learn at your own pace. We adjust everything to suit your body, your goals, and your experience. No guesswork. No pressure.
Ready to Train Smarter — and Feel Stronger?
If you’ve been doing the work but not seeing results, this could be your next step. Personal training in Bedford helps both men and women move beyond what’s familiar — and build real, lasting change.
You don’t have to give up the things you enjoy, like Pilates. But if you’re ready for a stronger body, better energy, and a clearer plan, we’re ready for you.
