Can you build leg strength without weights? I put this Pilates routine to the test to find out

Woman performs side leg lift exercise at home. She is lying on her side on a black exercise mat, propping her torso up on a forearm, with her top leg lifted and extended. She is wearing white trainers, black athletic leggings and a yellow short-sleeved top.

I'm a sucker for weights workouts, especially for building strength in my lower body. However, I've recently adding Pilates to my routine to improve my muscular endurance, posture and coordination. I know Pilates is also a fantastic way to strengthen the core.

Given that I'm usually squatting and deadlifting, I was curious to see if a Pilates routine could strengthen my legs, too.