Comparing Pilates vs. Yoga is a case of apples vs. oranges. Both are healthy and fantastic for you. It’s a matter of which one you prefer.
Yoga and Pilates work towards building a stronger mind-body connection through movement. However, yoga has religious roots and aims to connect the mind, body, and spirit.
Alternatively, Pilates focuses the mind-body approach on improving posture and physical fitness.
Pilates vs yoga Benefits
When deciding whether to practice yoga or Pilates, it is essential to identify the goals you have in mind. Both practices have a great deal to offer. However, the benefits of each differ slightly.
The benefits of practicing Pilates are:
- Increased flexibility and strength
- Better posture
- Improved coordination
- Stronger mind-body connection
- Injury rehabilitation and prevention
- Reduction in muscular imbalances and joint pain
The benefits of practicing yoga are:
- Increased flexibility and strength
- Better stress management
- A rise in energy and mood
- Improved heart health
- Relief of back pain and arthritis symptoms
With the litany of benefits these movement methods have to offer; it is impossible to choose wrong.
Moreover, Pilates and Yoga both have a wide range of practice styles to choose from. Meaning you can dabble in different approaches for each to find what works best for your needs.
Is Pilates better at building strength than yoga?
Pilates places a great deal of emphasis on improving total muscular strength across the body. Likewise, Pilates places additional focus on the core and muscles supporting the spine.
Pilates teaches practitioners to use breathing to control muscular movements. Yoga does not focus its strength-building efforts on any particular part of the body. Instead, it focuses on relaxing the entire body through breathwork.
Both Yoga and Pilates build strength. However, Pilates has a more physical focus on each movement’s control and precision using the breath to energize the muscles. In comparison, yoga’s focus is more mental, turning the attention of the practitioner inward.
Which is better for my posture: Yoga or Pilates?
The short answer is Pilates. Yoga helps to develop flexibility, strength, and muscular endurance across the body.
However, Pilates directly focuses on building strength and stability in the core and back muscles that support the spine. These are the muscle groups responsible for good or bad posture.
If you are looking to improve your posture, yoga is a fantastic addition to Pilates to improve flexibility. But, Pilates is the practice that focuses on skeletal realignment.
Meaning, Pilates is the practice to focus on for individuals interested in improving their posture.
Pilates vs.Yoga for Seniors
Pilates and yoga are lovely exercise options for seniors. They are both low-impact and adaptable for different physical fitness and ability levels.
One of the top benefits of Yoga and Pilates for seniors is their ability to build strength throughout the body. Consistent strength-building improves bone density and helps to counteract bone density loss as we age.
Yoga and Pilates enhance balance, flexibility, endurance, and mood. These are attributes that individuals may find diminish as they age.
Most importantly, many Pilates and Yoga exercises are performed sitting or laying down. Meaning, seniors can work with an instructor to customize a fabulous workout using the best exercises for them without worrying about falling when doing Yoga or Pilates.
Choosing Pilates vs.Yoga is a thing of personal preference. In an ideal world, individuals should incorporate both into their weekly movement schedules. Try both and see what feels right for you.
The MatWorkz Pilates Studio believes in finding a movement method that you enjoy to heal your mind, body, and spirit.
We have private and group beginner, intermediate, and advanced Pilates classes for students of any age, fitness, and ability levels.
Try something new and find relief through movement today!
