SCULPT SMARTER
The beauty duo that is Pilates and Strength.
Growing up, I was always considered “skinny.” No matter how much I ate, my weight rarely fluctuated. At 5 feet tall and of Asian descent, I understand that my genetics play a significant role in my naturally petite build. The idea of touching heavy weights never really crossed my mind, partly because I didn’t know much about strength training.
That changed in the summer of 2020. I began taking weightlifting seriously because my job at the time had a nice, ‘beginner friendly‘ fitness center, and I wanted to change my lifestyle. Over the next three years, from 2020 to 2023, I experimented with various strength training programs, tried different workout splits, and committed to annual bulking and maintenance cycles. During this period, I gained about 30 pounds—going from 92 pounds at my lightest to 121 pounds at my heaviest.
While I loved how I looked at every stage, my favorite milestone was reaching 120 pounds. However, fitness for me is more than just achieving a particular aesthetic; it’s about embracing new challenges. In early 2024, I decided to push myself further by completing my first official “cut” through the 75 Hard program.
At this point, I was already a certified Pilates instructor, but 75 Hard deepened my commitment to Pilates. The program required two daily workouts, so I combined weightlifting with Pilates as my second session. Over the course of the program, I lost 12 pounds and achieved a very lean physique.
After completing 75 Hard in May, I set my sights on regaining weight. However, my growing passion for Pilates—and teaching five classes a week—has made this process unique. Since May, I’ve been focusing on both bulking and practicing Pilates, blending the two disciplines in my routine. The result? My body has taken on a new form, and I’ve never loved how I look and feel as much as I do now.
-
I had just graduated high school and yes, I was the covid year that had graduates walk across the school parking lot with a face mask to receive their diplomas.
Starting out you can see…
no butt LMAO
arms had no muscle
overall physique wasn’t toned
This is what people call “skinny fat.”
-
This was probably one of my heaviest years. I genuinely loved starting my 2024 like this. I felt curvy and strong. My lifts were also the strongest they’ve been.
Significant changes include…
bigger everything. PERIOD.
I loved the way my lower body looked and you can’t see it here but my back was extremely strong too
I held a lot of fat in my arms
shoulders were capped
little ab definition
-
This was my last day of 75 hard. It was the lightest I have been since high school. Im not gonna lie I wasn’t the most confident here because it brought me back to a time where I felt “too skinny.” The Lord was really carrying me during this challenge LOL
Significant changes include…
skinny, but defined = TONED
I definitely lost the fat in my arms
waist was itty bitty
hip dips were starting to show
was NOT hitting any PRs during this time
-
This was taken a couple weeks ago and I was amazed when I posted it on my instagram. My legs were still big and super defined. I have never seen definition in my inner thighs and calves.
Significant changes include…
eating in a caloric surplus
more definition in my legs
abs PEEKING through the shirt!
arm are toned; I do miss the shoulder caps though
can’t see it here but my posture is better and my breath control in the gym is the best it’s ever been
Cross training Pilates and Strength can compliment each other so well. In Pilates, you focus on the muscles that help alignment, balance, breath work, and controlled movement. While in Strength training you focuses on power, resilience, and endurance. The principles and rules of Pilates and Strength training overlap which means mixing these high and low impact movements are a game changer.
I hope you guys try out a split that combines both movements ORRR you can just take my Pilates classes which are Pilates and Strength based in-person or online ;) I’ll see ya’ll in my next blog!
Love, Sai! 🥥
