At Āhua Studio, we love reformer Pilates. But we also know that true strength and longevity come when you blend it with resistance training. Here’s why the combination is so powerful for your body, health and future.
Reformer First: Priming Your Body
Think of reformer Pilates as your warm-up with purpose. Those controlled movements activate your stabilisers, switch on your core and prepare your muscles and joints for heavier work. Instead of jumping straight into weights cold, your body is already primed to move with better alignment and control, reducing injury risk and maximising results.
Lifting Heavy: Building Strength That Lasts
Once you’re activated, it’s time to pick up the weights. Heavy, slow and controlled movements with a focus on time under tension are key for building functional fitness and real-world strength. Not only does this approach increase muscle mass, but it also improves bone density (essential for longevity) and keeps your body resilient as you age.
The Science Backs It
Reformer Pilates hones in on stability, mobility and neuromuscular activation. Strength training drives muscle growth, metabolic health and skeletal strength. Put the two together and you’ve got a training style that supports everything from posture and balance to long-term vitality. It’s not just exercise. It’s science in motion.
Try It in Our LIFT Class
At Āhua Studio, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our LIFT classes, held on Mondays and Wednesdays, combine functional strength training with free weights in a way that complements your Pilates practice. Expect guided, technique-focused sessions where we go heavy, slow and controlled—helping you build muscle, protect your joints and strengthen your bones. It’s the perfect partner to reformer work and a powerful way to future-proof your health.
Find Your Why
We can give you the “why” behind the method, but the most important why is yours. Maybe it’s staying strong for your kids, feeling confident in your body or protecting your health for the decades ahead. Whatever your personal reason, it starts with showing up.
At Āhua Studio, we’re here to guide you through both sides of the equation, helping you build strength from the inside out.
