Beginner yoga and Pilates both focus on producing similar results, but do so through different exercises, breathing styles and perspectives. Muscle tone, balance, strength, flexibility, stress-relief and gradual weight loss make up the possible benefits of beginner Pilates or yoga. After familiarizing yourself with the differences between the two, try sampling a few exercises or classes. While you might find yourself sticking to one or the other, it's also possible to do both on a regular basis.
Yoga and Pilates Styles
Popular styles of yoga include Power, Bikram, Jivamukti, Ashtanga and Iyengar, known for their more physically demanding aspects. Integral, Sivananda, Kundalini and Kripalu use gentler approaches. Yoga studios and gyms usually offer beginner yoga classes, which may be a blend of various styles.
Winsor, Stott, Romana's, Power and Reformer are commonly-practiced Pilates styles. Reformer Pilates incorporates a wooden or metal machine called the Pilates Reformer, which helps with resistance exercises and proper alignment. In both yoga and most forms of Pilates, you practice on a mat.
Features of Yoga
Beginner yoga classes generally teach you the basic principles of yogic breathing, poses and meditation. A typical class begins with seated or supine breathing exercises and time for centering on the present moment. Depending on the goal of the class for the day, you may learn poses from categories such as seated and twisting, standing, core, inverted, restorative or arm balancing. Yoga is similar to Pilates in that it sometimes uses straps, bolsters, wedges, blocks and other props. Depending on the style of yoga, it may incorporate ideas such as letting go of unhealthy attachments, developing compassion and connecting with a higher self or power.
Features of Pilates
Originally named "Contrology," according to the Pilates Technique website, Pilates teaches you body awareness, core strength and flexibility through repetitions of mat or equipment-assisted exercises. Some Pilates classes go through a particular sequence of exercises while others depend on the style and instructor. A beginner Pilates class should familiarize you with how to keep your torso in neutral position, how to breathe during the workout and the beginning levels of exercises. While Pilates is similar to yoga in that it challenges flexibility, strength, balance and concentration, it usually does not include meditation, philosophy or spiritual ideas.
The Verdict
If you want a more physically-based format with repetitions of exercises, then beginner Pilates will probably appeal to you more. Pilates also spends less time on hands than yoga and more time on the back, where many exercises target core muscles.
If you want a more holistic approach to exercise, then yoga may suit you more than Pilates, as its overall goal is to create harmony in the mind, body and spirit. MayoClinic.com recommends both Pilates and yoga as ways to combat stress and improve fitness.
Member Comments