I would say no pilates does not qualify as a weight-bearing exercise. Weight bearing exercises are exercises where the bones and muscles work against the force of gravity. Examples would be: running, stair climbing, and hiking. Pilates however, emphasizes breathing techniques, special stretches, core strength, and flexibility. Interestingly enough both exercise techniques have been recommended to be used in conjunction with each other though. Instructors have recommended pilates to enhance a students dancing, a weight-bearing exercise. The best exercises for building bone are weight- or load-bearing exercises. These include weight-lifting, jogging, hiking, stair-climbing, step aerobics, dancing, racquet sports, and other activities that require your muscles to work against gravity. Swimming and simply walking, although good for cardiovascular fitness, are not the best exercises for building bone. Thirty minutes of weight-bearing exercise daily benefits not only your bones, but improves heart health, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Those 30 minutes don't need to be done all at once; it's just as good for you to do 10 minutes at a time. ************************************************************* How Does Pilates Work? Pilates works by combining breathing techniques with special stretches and a machine. It is a method of exercise which focuses on improving the body’s core by making the body more flexible and stronger. It is more dynamic than Yoga because it pushes the body through stretching and targets flexibility, posture and strength. By using the Pilates machine, individuals have to go through systematic moves, whilst holding their torsos in place and moving their limbs in different directions. This movement challenges the individual’s balance, strength and flexibility. The Benefits of Pilates The benefits of Pilates are noticeable and a lot of Pilates fans have reported that by doing regular Pilates classes, their bodies are toner, well balanced and stronger. After a Pilates workout, individuals instantly feel the difference in their abs, backs and legs. Other associated benefits to Pilates are weight loss, increased energy levels and a general sense of well being. Pilates is gentle and very effective. Pilates is an ideal workout for athletes recovering from injury, older people who may not have the capacity to do strenuous exercise, or pregnant women. Generally, Pilates is a great supplement to any exercise routine. The Benefits: * Assists in aligning your body * Helps in rehabilitation of injuries * A great work out for abdominals, really targeting on this area. * Streches and strengthens the body * When modified, Pilates is great form of exercise for pregnant women * Weight loss * Well being * Increased energy levels. resources on weight-bearing exercises: http://tinyurl.com/p7d23 http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/fcs/bb/exercise.html resource on pilates: http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/articles/pilates/