Skip the gym - you can do Pilates with weights at home with these 5 easy moves

Woman in four-point kneeling position holding dumbbell in front of her, doing Pilates with weights on yoga mat surrounded by small dumbbells and resistance bands.

If you dread the sight of a weights rack but are looking to get stronger and maintain muscle mass as you age, Pilates with weights could be for you. The weights may be lighter than in traditional strength training but there are still plenty of benefits.

Maintaining muscle mass is essential as we age, especially during perimenopause when we begin to lose some of oestrogen's protective benefits. Strength training, whether that's with light dumbells in weighted Pilates or the gym, can make a hugely positive difference to daily life in the years to come. It's also a great way to get stronger, gain more muscle definition, and reap the mental health benefits of exercise.