Some of my friends had been raving about Pilates for a while, and I’ll admit — I kind of brushed it off at first. I thought of it as a gentler, slower version of yoga, more about stretching than strength. But lately, I’ve been craving a deeper connection with my body — not just movement, but presence. And while yoga helped me get there mentally, I was curious about something that could offer both mindfulness and muscle.
I’ve only recently started doing it, but the difference in my strength has been almost immediate. Seriously — I’m someone who runs and rock climbs regularly, and yet Pilates has awakened muscles I didn’t even know needed attention. And in my 40s, keeping strength, mobility, and balance in check is non-negotiable.
If you’ve ever thought about stepping into something new that challenges you just enough while being gentle on your joints and big on core strength, let me walk you through what I’ve learned.
Pilates vs Running vs Rock Climbing: A Quick Comparison
Here’s a breakdown that might help if you’re like me — active but looking to balance intensity with control.
| Workout | Calories Burned (Per Hour*) | Muscles Worked | Impact on Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mat Pilates | 175–250 | Core, hips, glutes, spine stabilizers | Improves posture, flexibility, and control |
| Reformer Pilates | 250–450 | Core, legs, arms, back (full-body resistance) | Builds strength and coordination gently |
| Running | 500–800 (varies by pace) | Legs, glutes, core | High cardio, high impact |
| Rock Climbing | 500–700 | Forearms, back, core, grip, legs | Strengthens entire body, mentally challenging |
*Calorie burn varies by intensity, weight, and fitness level.
Mat vs Reformer Pilates: What’s the Difference?
Mat Pilates is exactly what it sounds like: you, a mat, and bodyweight exercises. It’s deceptively challenging — focusing on control, alignment, and core strength. Great for beginners and for building deep muscle awareness.
Reformer Pilates, on the other hand, uses a machine with springs and pulleys. It adds resistance, which means more strength-building potential, and it’s excellent for people recovering from injury or looking to train muscles more evenly.
If you like techy gear or need a bit more support in certain positions, Reformer might be your jam. But if you’re after something simple, portable, and powerful — Mat is a great place to start.
Two great Pilates studios I have recently discovered in Muskoka Ontario:
Flow Pilates + Social https://www.flowpilatessocial.com/
Check them out!
Crystal Diane | Lifestyle. Blog. Shop 
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