“Can Pilates really build muscle?” We get asked this all the time, and the answer is YES. More and more people are turning to reformer Pilates for strength training, not just flexibility or mobility. At our reformer Pilates studio in Currumbin, we’re busting the myth that Pilates is just stretching and showing people how effective it is for building real, functional strength.

Reformer Pilates CAN build muscle

Reformer Pilates is a great way to build muscle. We know it looks very different from traditional gym workouts, however, it’s a strong form of resistance training. 

How does it work? The springs, pulleys and adjustable tension on the reformer are great at challenging your muscles in a similar way to weights, but with the added bonus of a stronger focus on control, stability and form.

You’re not doing bulky lifting, instead, you’re building muscle that supports better movement, balance and everyday strength. It’s one of the reasons why so many of our clients here at Rhythm Wellness choose strength Pilates, it’s a smarter, joint-friendly alternative to heavy weights.

How reformer Pilates builds muscle

Did you know, muscle isn’t actually built while you’re exercising, it’s built after your workout, during recovery. When you challenge your muscles on the reformer, time under tension stimulates a response for our body to get stronger and build muscle. Pilates helps you do this in a safe, controlled way, especially for stabilising and supporting muscles that might not get enough attention in traditional training.

So, how does reformer Pilates create real muscle change? It comes down to a few key factors:

• Time under tension – slower, controlled reps on the reformer create deep muscle activation.
  
• Eccentric loading – many movements focus on lengthening the muscle under resistance, which is highly effective for strength building.
  
• Deep stabilising muscles – Pilates targets the smaller, often overlooked muscles that traditional gym workouts tend to miss.
  
• Full-body functional strength – instead of building bulk, reformer Pilates develops strong, sustainable muscle that supports everyday movement.

Reformer Pilates vs traditional strength training

We don’t believe that strength Pilates competes with traditional strength training, in contrast, they complement each other. It builds stabilisers, core strength, muscle endurance and joint support, and is great for people wanting strength without heavy lifting or those who need a joint-friendly approach. 

How long does it take to see results? 

Generally, people start to see differences in strength, definition and performance within four to eight weeks. By attending at least two to three classes a week, you’ll have more chances of seeing results. 

Who gets the most benefits from reformer Pilates? 

How do you know if Pilates is for you? Pilates is great for: 

• People wanting functional strength
• Surfers, runners, gym-goers 
• Those who don’t enjoy heavy weights

Who gets the most benefit from our Gold Coast clinical Pilates and physio-led Pilates classes?

Clinical Pilates and Physio-led reformer Pilates are ideal for those dealing with pain or recovering from injury. With our expert guidance, the exercises in these small or private classes are tailored to build muscle safely while protecting your joints, tendons and lower back. Pilates for injury rehabilitation offers controlled, supportive strength training that helps you move with confidence again.

Why Rhythm Wellness is a great place to build strength

If you talk to any of our clients, they’ll tell you Rhythm Wellness is supportive, friendly, and our teachers are genuinely focused on helping clients get stronger. We believe we’ve created something really special here in Currumbin, with classes led by amazing teachers, physio-led or guided by an exercise physiologist. This means everything you do is safe, smart and built around the right techniques.

Our classes are small, so you know you’ll get personalised guidance, lots of attention and the confidence to try movements you might not have attempted otherwise. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s been training for years, we have classes that suit your level.

Our atmosphere is welcoming, relaxed, and it’s the kind of studio where everyone knows your name. We’ve built a beautiful pilates and yoga community – it’s strength training in a place where you’ll feel supported and at home. 

Start building muscle – book your class today

Pilates is great for building muscle, improving mobility, stability, posture and overall strength. For anyone wanting strong, capable muscles that support real-life movement, our reformer Pilates in Currumbin offers a smart approach that delivers real results. Contact us today to find out more!