What’s best, Pilates or Yoga?

We often get people asking which they should do, Pilates or Yoga. While Pilates and Yoga are often jumbled together in one category of exercise, there are many important differences. For starters, they originate in different parts of the world. There are several other key differences, however.  We’ll look at each exercise then give you our take on which one is better for you.

What’s the Difference Between Pilates and Yoga?

In previous posts, we’ve discussed the differences between types of stretching and how you also need to strengthen what you stretch. Pilates and Yoga can help with this, although as we stated above, people often lump these two exercises with one another in an almost interchangeable manner. This isn’t the case!

They’re each beneficial in their own way. Let’s take a look at precisely how each one of these exercises can be a helpful addition to your workout routine.

What’s Yoga?

Originally developed for the strengthening of the mind and soul, yoga is an ancient form of art that specialises in enhancing your flexibility and balance. While aspects of yoga can be utilised to increase personal flexibility, the complete practice of yoga is tough to master.

Yoga

Numerous benefits can be derived from the art of Yoga, such as enhanced flexibility, improved posture, and the prevention of cartilage breakdown. Mental health benefits can also be derived from yoga, such as better sleep and lower levels of stress.

What’s Pilates?

Joseph Pilates (1883-1967) dedicated his life to improving physical strength. He believed that bad posture and inefficient breathing lay at the roots of poor health. He then devised a set of exercises and training techniques. Word soon spread of the results he was achieving. The exercises seek to strengthen and stabilise the deep torso and abdominal muscles, known as ‘the core’. They’re focused on the quality rather than the quantity of movement and can be done in almost any environment if performed properly.

Pilates

Pilates has been known to improve flexibility, improve strength, improve athletic performance, and reduce joint pain.

How you Can Use Both Yoga and Pilates to Your Advantage

Yoga can be extremely beneficial, increasing the length of your muscles which helps with flexibility, an important facet of physical fitness. As we discussed in a previous blog post, however, if you don’t strengthen the muscles you use, they’ll most likely return back to a short, taut state. This is where Pilates comes in; Pilates can add the strengthening touch to your yoga routine, which can cement the flexibility of your muscles in a way that doesn’t put a large amount of stress on them.

Pilates will accentuate the range of motion you’ve built through yoga sessions with muscular strength, control, and stability.

So, Which is Better?

This question can be answered by your body. It differs based on the individual needs of your muscles. You might have a decent amount of flexibility already, or you might have a decent amount of muscular strength. Whatever the conditions, both yoga and Pilates can benefit your body in many ways.

Consider the type of workouts you do on a weekly basis, then try to add in a session or two of Pilates and yoga. You should see for yourself which one provides greater benefit to your body and your workout routine!

Questions?

Trying out different exercises is key to improving and maintaining the body’s flexibility, which in turn can help with recruiting muscles efficiently.

If you’ve got any questions on the above, then please let us know (click for contact details).

Remember – Listen to Your Body!

Please remember to listen to your body. Get any aches and pains checked out sooner rather than later.

Disclaimer:

As with all information given for exercises and exercise programs, when using our exercise videos or information, please use your common sense and don’t do anything that will hurt you. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. PhysioFit Health will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of information shared on our website or YouTube channel. This includes emails, videos, and text. Thanks for your understanding.