Pilates v Yoga which is better? It ultimately depends on what your health and fitness goals are. If you’re more about strength and flexibility, then Pilates may be the better option. If it’s general wellbeing and deeper spiritual practice, yoga could be better suited to your current lifestyle.
Wherever you may be on your exercise journey, it’s important to pay attention to what works best for your needs.
This article will explore some of the differences between Pilates and Yoga and help you make the right decision.

So, what are some of the key differences between Pilates and Yoga?

Pilates and Yoga have many things in common with one another. Both modalities offer the option of a low impact workout, suitability for beginners, focused breath work as well as improvement in general health and wellbeing. However, they are both very different when it comes to the delivery of the workout itself.

Yoga is a much older practice that dates back to 5,000 years ago. Originating from India, its main focus is on implementing breathing and meditation techniques while holding individual postures. This is meant to promote a sense of greater physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Also during yoga practice, breathing exercises tend to engage the core when inhaling whereas the opposite is done in Pilates. This is one of the more obvious differences when comparing the two workouts. Pilates on the other hand is a more modern form of exercise, having been introduced back in the 1920’s by Joseph Pilates - for the purpose of helping injured veterans throughout WW1. His primary teaching was focused on using the mind to control the different muscle groups and achieving core strength through these more precise and controlled exercise methods- delivering greater muscle activation, stability and balance.

If you’re looking for a slower paced workout that offers more variety, class types and different styles of exercise, Yoga may be the right choice for you. Class selections can vary and often range from Bikram, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Power Yoga and Hatha, just to mention a few.  Pilates, however is a little more intense than the average yoga class. It’s fast paced and is less focused on meditative practice, and more on building core strength, muscle tone and balance using a mat or reformer bed. If this is more up your alley, then Pilates may be the better option as a complete full body workout.

What are some of the benefits of Yoga?

• Yoga uses one’s own body weight during each class
• It supports body awareness & mobility during each posture.
• May help with back pain, arthritic & joint issues
• Yoga practice holds postures for longer, engaging a more mindful practice
• Greater focus on meditation, mantras & spiritual philosophies

What are some of the benefits of Pilates?

• Pilates incorporates body weight + resistance training with reformer equipment
• Contemporary Pilates engages muscles all over & improves poor posture
• Activates core muscles through focused breathing techniques
• Can be delivered on a floor mat or via Reformer bed for extra intensity
• Provides a safe & effective way to stretch & lengthen the body with minimal risk of injury

In summary, is Yoga or Pilates better for you?

Depending on your personal preferences and fitness goals, it’s really up to you to decide which is best for you.

If toning up and building muscle strength is appealing, then Pilates is a game changer. If developing a stronger spiritual practice and flexibility is more your thing, then you might want to give Yoga a try. At Toned Pilates Studio, we offer various classes to suit all levels and goals. Not just a reformer studio - we have boxing classes, yoga, barefoot boot camps, Barre reformer and 12-week Challenges to help shape you up fast.

To find out what to expect in your first Reformer class, click here

To read the advantages of Pilates click here

We’ll help you get the most out of your fitness goals. Give us a call today on 0406 981 914 and come check out the studio for yourself.