My Take as a Pilates Instructor Trainer, and Master Functional Trainer
I had an interesting conversation recently with a fellow Pilates instructor about whether it’s right—or even safe—to work your muscles to fatigue or failure. My answer? HELL yes!
Especially for women over 40. Here’s why:
- We need to build and maintain strength – Muscle mass naturally declines with age, so if we’re not challenging our muscles, we’re losing them.
- Progress requires challenge – How are we supposed to improve if we never push ourselves beyond what’s comfortable?
- It helps prevent plateaus – Change happens when the body adapts to a higher demand.
- For some women, Pilates is the only form of exercise they do – In that case, we need to make it count.
But here’s the thing—working to fatigue doesn’t mean throwing safety out the window. It’s about pushing your muscles while keeping your joints, balance, and alignment safe.
For example, would I recommend working to fatigue while in a 3-point kneeling position on a reformer box? Nope. But in grounded, stable positions where you can easily get in and out? Absolutely.
Why training to fatigue matters:
When you train a muscle to the point of fatigue, you’ve essentially recruited the maximum number of muscle fibers available. This stimulates growth, improves muscle endurance, and enhances muscle memory—your body’s ability to remember and repeat a movement efficiently. Over time, this leads to greater strength, control, and resilience.
Key takeaway:
You know your body best. Challenge yourself in a safe environment, use positions where you feel stable and grounded, and don’t be afraid to work your muscles to the point where they’re saying, “That’s all I’ve got!” That’s where change happens.