#436 Shona Vertue - Are Yoga and Pilates Enough to Build Muscle, Bone, and Strength for Life?

#436 Shona Vertue - Are Yoga and Pilates Enough to Build Muscle, Bone, and Strength for Life?

Author: Andrew Coates January 22, 2026 Duration: 55:57

Shona Vertue combines her background as a strength coach, yoga teacher, and psychology graduate to coach and educate people across the world.In this episode, Shona joins Andrew Coates to explore what yoga and Pilates actually are, what they do well, and where they may fall short if used as the only training method—especially as we age.This conversation moves beyond surface-level takes to examine strength, muscle, bone health, psychology, and self-efficacy, while also addressing common misconceptions and marketing narratives around yoga and Pilates.THIS EPISODE COVERS:How Shona helped David Beckham embrace yogaWhat yoga actually isThe different styles of yoga and how they differWhy yoga is far more than just physical movementThe potential benefits of incorporating yoga into your lifeCommon misconceptions about yoga and its benefitsWhether yoga or Pilates alone are enough to build muscle and strengthConsiderations for muscle, bone, and strength as we ageCommon misconceptions about PilatesPotential flaws in Pilates marketing and messagingWhy many people become too narrow in their training methodsHow to encourage devoted yoga or Pilates practitioners to add strength trainingWhat self-efficacy is and why Shona is so passionate about itAnd much moreInstagram: @shona_vertueCHAPTERS01:26 David Beckham and Yoga02:55 Understanding Yoga’s Benefits06:50 Different Styles of Yoga15:12 Challenges and Misconceptions17:33 Yoga and the Stress Response26:12 Men and Yoga28:27 The Value of Yoga in a Balanced Life30:10 Pilates: Misconceptions and Benefits35:13 Comparing Yoga, Pilates, and Weight Training42:31 The Importance of Self-Efficacy in Fitness49:42 Psychological Aspects of Fitness and Health54:53 Conclusion and ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode expanded how you think about movement, training, and long-term health, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)Sending it to someone who believes one training method is “enough”FOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirstDuring setup, answer: How did you hear about us?Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15 percent off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent you


Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
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