Yoga and pilates are two totally different concepts but are regularly grouped together as a wellness or rehabilitation exercise. If you can't decide which discipline is best suited for your needs and goals, read my pro and cons list to help you choose the best option.
Yoga Pros:
-Has existed for 2000 years. It's tried and true!
-Offers many varied disciplines. Hatha is more relaxing while Ashtanga is very hard.
-Requires very little or no equipment.
-Improves flexibility and decreases stress.
-Great for muscle toning, core strength, cardio, relaxation and meditation. A total package!
Cons:
-Some types of yoga (specifically Ashtanga and Bikram) are not good for beginners, people with existing injury, heart problems and obese persons.
-Some poses are hard on the joints.
-Inflexibility will be an obstacle for most types of yoga.
-Although yoga can be great for preventing low back pain it is not a rehabilitative exercise.
Pilates Pros:
-Developed as a rehabilitation exercise for World War 1 Veterans.
-Strengthens the core and other muscle groups more gently than strength training.
-Teaches body awareness and correct breathing techniques.
-Variety in classes, equipment and levels.
Cons:
-Most pilates exercises require equipment. This can be as simple as a foam roller to as big as a reformer. If you choose pilates as your main form of fitness, be prepared to invest money or go to classes as your primary method of practicing.
-Not a good cardio workout.
-If you have a background with weight training, you may find pilates too easy.
-Not recommended for advanced exercisers looking to lose weight or build muscle.
With a few pros and cons in each category you can see that yoga is best suited for people that want a hard workout, relaxation and even some spiritual elements incorporated in to their workouts. Pilates is fantastic for the older population, rehabilitation and injury prevention/recovery.
If you are still not sure, try a class of each. Most studios have a drop in rate or will even give you a free class so you can determine if it's right for you. Alternately hire a personal trainer that is certified in both, to show you a few exercises from each, and explain the concepts more thoroughly.
Both Yoga and pilates have their strong points. While they are very different, both offer wellness and better health. Try them out as a supplement to your existing weight and cardio program, or if you have not been exercising due to illness or injury but would like to get in shape.
Kaleena Lawless
Personal Training Specialist
kalisthenixfitnessblog.com kalisthenixfitnessblog.com
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