Does Machine Pilates Count as Strength Training? Differences in Training Methods Men Should Know

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“Isn’t Pilates just a type of stretching for women?” “Wouldn’t it be unsatisfying for someone like me who does strength training?”—we sometimes hear comments like these from men looking for a personal gym in Roppongi or Akasaka.

To start, I want to clarify that machine Pilates is a workout that uses your body much more thoroughly than you might think, and men are more than welcome (Men’s Pilates is OK). However, the “training method” is a bit different from strength training that uses dumbbells or barbells. In this article, I have gently summarized those differences and key points for men incorporating machine Pilates, from the perspective of a Mild Fit trainer.

Does machine Pilates count as “strength training”?

In machine Pilates, we use a specialized machine called a reformer. Because you repeat movements like pushing, pulling, and supporting while adjusting the tension of the springs, you use your muscles much more than it looks.

We particularly focus on inner muscles that are usually hard to target, such as those deep in the abdomen, around the spine, the glutes, and the inner thighs. “It looked easy, but my abs were shaking when I finished” is a comment we often hear from our male clients.

On the other hand, the main goal is not to build large muscles by handling heavy weights. It is easier to think of it as “training to refine how you use your body” rather than a “substitute for strength training.”

Differences between strength training and machine Pilates

Broadly speaking, there are the following differences:

1. Purpose: Strength training focuses on increasing muscle strength and muscle mass. Machine Pilates focuses on posture, core stability, and moving joints smoothly.

2. Movement: Strength training involves gradually increasing the load with fixed forms. Machine Pilates involves moving slowly in various directions—rounding, arching, or twisting the spine—in sync with your breathing.

3. Sensation: While strength training makes it easy to identify which part is being “worked,” machine Pilates is characterized by the ease of feeling how your “entire body is connected and moving.”

It is not a matter of which is better or worse; they simply have different areas of expertise. That is exactly why they are so compatible when combined.

Reasons why I recommend machine Pilates to men

I have the impression that many men tend to have rounded backs from desk work, or have tight hamstrings and hip joints. If you only chase heavy weights with strength training while in that state, you may feel strain on your lower back or shoulders.

By using machine Pilates to make your spine and hip joints easier to move, you can expect the following (results vary by individual):

1. Posture becomes easier to align, making hunched backs and rounded shoulders less of a concern.

2. Forms for strength training, such as squats and deadlifts, become easier to stabilize.

3. Sports movements like golf and running feel smoother

4. Breathing becomes deeper, and it is easier to clear your head after work

I especially want those who think, “I keep up with strength training, but my body is still stiff” or “I can’t seem to get rid of shoulder stiffness or lower back tension,” to try it at least once.

3 points to keep in mind when starting

1. Start with one-on-one sessions: The machine settings and spring tension that suit you vary from person to person. With personal training, you can adjust them according to your body’s condition that day.

2. Try combining it with strength training on the same day: A flow of moving your body with Pilates to make it easier to move before doing strength training is also recommended.

3. Prioritize “carefulness” over the number of repetitions: Rather than powering through, focusing on your breathing and slow movements will make it easier to feel changes in your body.

If you have pain in your lower back or neck, or are currently undergoing treatment, please consult a doctor before starting.

Summary

Machine Pilates is an exercise that uses your body thoroughly in a different way than strength training that involves lifting heavy weights. By incorporating “both” rather than choosing “one or the other” with strength training, it becomes easier to build a body that moves well. Mild Fit’s motto is “Not hard. Just better.” Why not aim for a body that moves a little easier than yesterday without pushing yourself too hard?

Mild Fit is a fully private personal gym located in the Roppongi, Akasaka, and Nogizaka area. You can receive one-on-one sessions for strength training, machine Pilates, yoga, stretching, and traditional Thai massage, tailored to your goals for the day. Men are also very welcome, so if you are new to Pilates, please feel free to try it out with a trial lesson.

For men in Roppongi and Akasaka who want to incorporate both strength training and machine Pilates, and are looking for a personal gym, please try it out with a trial lesson. For consultations, please feel free to contact us via
official LINE or DM on Instagram (@_mildfit_).

At Mild Fit, we use Miyabi reformers for machine Pilates. If you are looking for a machine for your home or studio, please use this as a reference.
miyabireform Pilates Reformer (Amazon)

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Original article: https://mild-fit.com/2026/10/22/machine-pilates-strength-training-men-roppongi-akasaka/

We welcome casual inquiries and questions about your body. First, please feel free to send us a message via official LINE.

We look forward to your trial lesson and inquiries.