Pilates and Strength Training: Building a Stronger, Healthier You is a practical and inspiring guide designed to help readers develop strength, stability, and balance at any stage of life. Created by Mary Jo Ketterhagen-Ida of Mary Jo Training, this ebook combines foundational Pilates principles with effective strength-training techniques to enhance muscle tone, improve posture, and support long-term wellness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mover, this resource offers clear instruction, expert insights, and actionable exercises to help you move with confidence and power.
Pilates and Strength Training: Building a Stronger, Healthier You
Strength, balance, and mobility form the foundation of a healthy life—and Pilates and Strength Training: Building a Stronger, Healthier You brings all three together in one empowering guide. Created by Mary Jo Ketterhagen-Ida of Mary Jo Training, this free ebook shows how combining mindful Pilates movement with functional strength training helps you move better, feel stronger, and build lasting confidence at any age.
Unlike traditional workouts that focus only on muscle or cardio, this program helps you connect your body and mind while strengthening from the inside out. You’ll discover how to tone your body, improve posture, increase flexibility, and support your joints through safe, evidence-based movement.
Why Combine Pilates and Strength Training?
Pilates focuses on control, alignment, and core stability—while strength training improves endurance, muscle tone, and overall power. When combined, they create a comprehensive full-body fitness routine that promotes long-term strength, balance, and vitality.
Inside the ebook, you’ll learn how to:
Strengthen your core for better posture and spinal support
Enhance balance and stability through controlled movement
Increase flexibility while protecting joints and muscles
Build lean muscle for long-term strength and resilience
Support bone density and mobility with functional movement
Cultivate body awareness to move more efficiently and confidently
This approach helps you build strength and stamina without strain—ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
A Practical Guide You Can Use Anywhere
Whether you’re working out at home, traveling, or in the studio, this ebook provides simple, clear routines you can easily follow. You’ll find step-by-step exercises, expert tips, and safe modifications to match your fitness level.
No complicated equipment or intense training needed—just intentional movement that builds strength, balance, and energy over time.
Mary Jo’s approach is grounded in compassion and knowledge, helping clients reconnect with their bodies and find joy in movement. Her expertise in Pilates, GYROTONIC® training, and strength conditioning shines through each section, offering encouragement and clarity at every step.
Meet the Author
Mary Jo Ketterhagen-Ida, founder of Mary Jo Training, is a certified Pilates and GYROTONIC® instructor dedicated to helping people build strength, flexibility, and resilience through mindful movement. With decades of experience, she specializes in creating programs that support wellness, rehabilitation, and lifelong mobility.